The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame (CHRHF) has completed the voting process for both the Standardbred and Thoroughbred Election Committees. The CHRHF Class of 2024 has been officially announced.
The CHRHF Board previously decided that the Class of 2024 would consist of six inductees per breed. They also gave the Nomination Committee the flexibility to choose only five categories, with two inductees per category, in order to achieve a total of six inductees per breed. The 20-member Election Committee for each breed cast their votes on the list of finalists in the selected categories. The individuals and horses selected for the CHRHF Class of 2024 will be officially inducted during a ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 7. More information about the event, including ticket details, will be announced in early May.
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Class of 2024 – Standardbred Inductees
In the upcoming year, the Class of 2024 for Standardbred Inductees will be honored for their outstanding contributions to the industry. These individuals have made significant advancements in the field, and their achievements will be celebrated in style. Stay tuned for more updates on this prestigious event.
Dr. Moira Gunn, DVM – Creator
Sylvain Filion – Driver
Ed Tracey – Driver
Introduction:
Ed Tracey is a skilled driver with years of experience behind the wheel. His expertise and dedication to safe driving practices make him a reliable choice for any transportation needs. With a focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction, Ed Tracey goes above and beyond to deliver top-notch service.
Experience:
Throughout his career, Ed Tracey has honed his driving skills and navigated various road conditions with ease. His attention to detail and impeccable driving record set him apart as a trusted professional in the industry. Ed Tracey’s commitment to excellence ensures that every journey is smooth and enjoyable for his passengers.
Services:
Ed Tracey offers a range of driving services tailored to meet his clients’ unique needs. Whether it’s a short trip across town or a long-distance journey, Ed Tracey provides reliable and punctual transportation. His friendly demeanor and professional attitude make him a preferred choice for those seeking a stress-free travel experience.
Bee A Magician – Female Equine
In the realm of horse racing, Bee A Magician stands out as a notable female equine.
Dr. Ian Moore, DVM – Trainer
Ross “Cowboy” Curran, a seasoned veteran in the field.
Dr. Moira Gunn’s academic journey began at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland. She then proceeded to a postgraduate internship at Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, followed by a two-year large animal surgical residency. Her practical experience includes working at Belmont Racetrack alongside Dr. Carl Juul Neilson. In January 1988, Dr. Gunn commenced her role as the farm veterinarian at Armbro Farms, a renowned Standardbred breeding establishment in Canada. Over the years, she advanced through various positions, including Manager, Vice-President, and ultimately President from 2000 to 2004, under the guidance of Dr. Glen Brown. Dr. Gunn’s contributions to the equine industry extend beyond her role at Armbro Farms. She has served in key positions such as Director of the E.P. Taylor Equine Research Fund, Co-Chair of the Equine Guelph Advisory Council, and President of the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario. Additionally, she held directorial roles in organizations like the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society and the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, actively participating in the amalgamation process that led to the formation of Standardbred Canada. Alongside her professional endeavors, Dr. Gunn has been involved in breeding both Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds, notably contributing to the success of Queen’s Plate winner Lexie Lou. After her tenure at Armbro Farms, she established a successful private equine practice specializing in stallion management, embryo transfer, and reproductive challenges specific to difficult-to-breed mares at Paradox Farm.
The Leading Figure of the Filion Harness Racing Dynasty
Sylvain Filion stands as the current torchbearer for the esteemed Filion harness racing lineage, boasting a remarkable record of over 10,000 wins. He holds the distinction of being the sole driver to achieve this feat predominantly within the Canadian circuit. In 1999, Filion earned the honor of representing Canada in the prestigious World Driving Championship, clinching the gold medal for his country. This victory placed him in esteemed company alongside his legendary uncle Herve, who had captured the inaugural championship title back in 1970. Filion’s exceptional talents have earned him four O’Brien Awards as Canada’s premier driver, securing the accolades in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016 respectively. His mastery in the sport has propelled the horses he has steered to an impressive total purse earnings exceeding $140 million. Even at the age of 55, Filion shows no signs of slowing down, evident in his stellar performance in 2023 where he notched over 200 wins and garnered nearly $6 million in prize money through his skilled horsemanship.
Ed Tracey: A Harness Racing Legend
Ed Tracey, who was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan in 1943, hailed from a family deeply ingrained in the Standardbred industry as owners, trainers, and drivers. He kickstarted his career by acquiring his driving license at a young age of 15. Beginning with local race meets in his home province, Ed’s love for harness racing propelled him across six Canadian provinces and various U.S. states. Throughout his remarkable 55-year journey, Tracey secured an impressive 3,168 driving victories and amassed over $7.5 million in purse earnings. A pivotal moment in his illustrious career occurred in 1978 when he clinched the ice racing championship on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal.
Acknowledging his outstanding contributions, Ed Tracey was honored as the Alberta Horseman of the Year in 1978. Furthermore, his dedication and impact on Alberta’s harness racing industry were recognized in 1998 when he received the prestigious Dr. Clara Christie Award. To commemorate his legacy, an annual race is held in Ed Tracey’s memory at Century Downs in Alberta.
The exceptional trotting mare, Bee A Magician, achieved remarkable success throughout her racing career from age two to age six. With an impressive lifetime race record of 45-14-3 in 72 starts, she made a name for herself as a two-time Breeders Crown winner, world champion trotter, and the 2013 Horse of the Year in Canada and the U.S. As a young contender, Bee A Magician triumphed in prestigious events like the Peaceful Way Stakes and the Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final, earning the coveted O’Brien Award for Two-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the Year. Moving into her three-year-old season, she stacked up victories in notable races such as the Breeders Crown, Hambletonian Oaks, and Elegantimage, solidifying her status as a racing powerhouse. Her flawless season with 17 wins led to her being honored as the 2013 Dan Patch and O’Brien Horse of the Year, as well as the Champion Three-Year-Old Trotting Filly. At five years old, she continued her winning streak with notable triumphs in the Maple Leaf Trot and Armbro Flight, securing more accolades as a top competitor. As she rounded out her career in 2016, Bee A Magician added impressive wins in the Yonkers Invitational Trot and the Mack Lobell Elitlopp Playoff. Retiring with a stunning total of $4,196,145 in earnings, she showcased her exceptional talent by racing against the best in the sport, including both male and female competition. Bee A Magician holds the record for the highest lifetime earnings in North American harness racing history for a trotter exclusively competing on home soil.
Dr. Ian Moore: A Veterinarian and Standardbred Trainer
Hailing from Prince Edward Island, Dr. Ian Moore’s life has been a unique combination of veterinary work and training Standardbred horses. Initially, his involvement with Standardbreds helped finance his education in veterinary school. Though Dr. Moore officially started his training career in 1971, it is in the past two decades that he has excelled in training horses at the highest level, particularly in the Ontario Sires Stakes. Over the years, Moore has trained winners that have collectively earned over $23 million, with an average yearly earnings exceeding $1 million primarily in Ontario. His personal best was $3.1 million in 2023. Remarkably, Dr. Moore achieved these milestones while overseeing a relatively small stable of 10-15 horses.
Dr. Moore’s training achievements are impressive. He has guided 69 horses to earnings surpassing $100,000, 14 horses with earnings exceeding $500,000, 20 horses with over $75,000 in earnings, and seven horses that have earned more than $1 million, including one exceeding $3 million. Among the standout horses he has trained are Astronomical, Malicious, State Treasurer, Arthur Blue Chip, Rockin In Heaven, Percy Bluechip, Century Farroh, Lawless Shadow, Stockade Seelster, Tattoo Artist, and Shadow Play, the CHRHF 2022 Inductee who has now become a prominent sire of top racehorses. In recognition of his excellence, Dr. Moore has been honored with 15 O’Brien Awards, including two for Horsemanship and the prestigious Trainer of the Year accolade in 2023.
The renowned Ross Curran was highly regarded for his innate skill and adeptness in handling challenging horses in a unique manner. Beginning his harness racing journey at a tender age of 16 in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Curran achieved his first driving championship at Connaught Park by the age of 20. Subsequently, he clinched numerous driving titles and emerged as a prominent driver at various prestigious racetracks including Mohawk, Greenwood, Garden City, Blue Bonnets, Richelieu Park, and Rideau Carleton, where he competed against esteemed figures like Keith Waples, Bill Wellwood, Ron Feagan, and Ron Waples. Curran raced extensively across Ontario and the United States, earning the moniker ‘Cowboy.’ He held the title of leading dash winner in Ontario from 1964 to 1973 and maintained an impressive winning percentage of .317 over a decade. His exceptional performance ranked him as the second and third best driver in North America during those years. Out of his 8,686 career starts, Curran secured a top-three position nearly 50 percent of the time based on the universal driver rating system data. With a tally of 1,711 recorded victories and over $2.7 million in lifetime earnings, Curran’s remarkable achievements led to his induction into the Sportsman Hall of Fame in Smiths Falls in 1988. Additionally, he was honored with the Living Legend Award by the Ontario Harness Horse Association in 2009. Known not only for his outstanding driving skills, Curran also established himself as a top-notch trainer, forging successful partnerships with horses like JJs Tequila and owners such as John Grant.
Class of 2024 – Thoroughbred Inductees
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Glen Todd – Construction Professional
As a skilled builder with years of experience in the construction industry, Glen Todd is known for his expertise in creating quality structures that stand the test of time. His commitment to excellence and attention to detail have earned him a reputation as a trusted professional in the field. With a keen eye for design and a dedication to delivering top-notch results, Glen Todd is the go-to builder for all your construction needs.
Starship Jubilee – Female Thoroughbred
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Patrick Husbands – Jockey
Patrick Husbands is a highly skilled jockey with years of experience in the horse racing industry. He is known for his exceptional riding abilities and has a proven track record of success in various races. Husbands’ dedication to his craft and his passion for horses have made him a respected figure in the sport.
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Channel Maker – Male Horse
In the realm of equestrian sports, Channel Maker stands out as a distinguished male horse with exceptional qualities and abilities. This remarkable equine athlete has captured the hearts of many with his impressive performances and achievements on the racing track. With his strong build and graceful demeanor, Channel Maker has become a shining star in the world of horse racing.
Known for his speed, agility, and determination, Channel Maker has proven time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with. His skillful maneuvers and strategic racing tactics have earned him a solid reputation as a formidable competitor. With each race, Channel Maker showcases his immense talent and competitive spirit, leaving spectators in awe of his remarkable prowess.
As a male horse, Channel Maker exudes a sense of power and strength that sets him apart from his peers. His striking physical appearance and commanding presence make him a standout figure in the world of horse racing. With his bold and confident demeanor, Channel Maker commands attention and respect wherever he goes, making him a true icon in the sport.
In conclusion, Channel Maker is a remarkable male horse with extraordinary abilities and a winning spirit. His exceptional talent, determination, and remarkable achievements have solidified his status as a legendary figure in the world of equestrian sports. Channel Maker’s impressive performances continue to captivate audiences and inspire admiration for his remarkable skills and remarkable personality.
Danny Vella – Trainer
Richard Grubb – Veteran
Born in British Columbia on December 20, 1946, the late Glen Todd developed a passion for horse racing at a young age. He accompanied his father to the races, whose connection to Hastings Racecourse dated back to 1939 when he met Todd’s mother there. Todd expressed, “My family has a rich history in racing.” He dedicated himself to learning the ins and outs of preparing racehorses, starting from the shedrow. Taking the helm of the Pacific Group of Companies established by his parents, Jack and Eileen, in 1954, Todd demonstrated his exceptional business acumen. From the early 1970s until 1985, he trained horses at Hastings. In 2011, Todd shared the Sovereign Award with Donver Stables for being Canada’s Outstanding Owner. Throughout his lifetime, he owned hundreds of racehorses. Beyond the glamour of racing, Todd actively contributed to the growth and enhancement of the B.C. racing sector. His involvement in the B.C. Horse Racing Industry Management Committee in 2009 aimed at revitalizing the sport and securing its financial stability. In a bid to sustain racing events at Hastings Racecourse in East Vancouver during the summer of 2021, Todd provided a generous interest-free loan of $1 million to support purse money. His motivation was not recognition but rather the preservation of jobs and the continuity of horse racing. Known as an owner, trainer, breeder, developer, pioneer, communicator, betting establishment proprietor, employer, mentor, and friend, Todd’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the horse racing community.
Starship Jubilee: A Remarkable Racing Career
During her racing career, Starship Jubilee established herself as one of the premier race mares in North America, despite being purchased as a yearling for a modest $6,500. Her list of accolades is extensive, which includes being crowned the Canadian Horse of the Year in 2019 and the Champion Female Turf Horse in Canada for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019. With two Grade 1 victories and six graded stakes wins in Canada, she amassed over $2 million in prize money. One of her most notable achievements is being the sole horse to triumph in both the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor and the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, where she outperformed male competitors. Additionally, Starship Jubilee achieved success in the United States by winning the Grade 2 Ballston Spa at Saratoga, the Grade 2 Hillsborough at Tampa Bay Downs, and claiming victory three times in the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park.
Patrick Husbands: A Remarkable Career in Canadian Racing
Patrick Husbands made a significant mark in Canadian racing history with over 30 years of riding at Woodbine. Originally from Barbados, Husbands arrived in Canada in 1994 with a stellar track record. Prior to his move, he was already a successful Champion rider in Barbados and notably the youngest jockey to secure the prestigious Gold Cup. From 1999 to 2014, Husbands claimed the title of Canada’s Champion jockey, earning eight Sovereign Awards. Initially, he gained popularity within the Bajan community, but soon, his talent and success led to widespread recognition with each victory and championship season.
One of Husbands’ most significant accomplishments came in 2003 when he flawlessly rode Triple Crown winner Wando, a future Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee. This memorable partnership was under the ownership of the late Gustav Schickendanz and trainer Mike Keogh, both esteemed members of the Hall. Notably, Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse also supported Husbands, with horses like Sealy Hill, 2023 King’s Plate winner Paramount Prince, and Queen’s Plate victor Lexie Lou, who joined the CHRHF in 2019. Throughout his illustrious career, Husbands has amassed an impressive record of 3,630 wins and earnings totaling $178,477,012 USD up to the conclusion of 2023.
Bred in Ontario by Ivan Dalos, Channel Maker is a distinguished Canadian and U.S. Champion, boasting multiple Grade 1 stakes victories. Channel Maker garnered immense popularity throughout his notable eight-season racing career that commenced in 2016 under the guidance of trainer Danny Vella, a distinguished member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame since 2024. Subsequently entrusted to the expertise of Bill Mott, Channel Maker was under the ownership of various entities over the course of his career, including Joey G Thoroughbreds, Wachtel Stable, Gary Barber, R. A. Hill Stable, and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing. Notably, Channel Maker stands as the third highest-earning Canadian-bred Thoroughbred racehorse in history, accumulating more than $3.9 million in winnings. The remarkable gelding’s career spanned an impressive eight years, from ages two to nine, and he created history by holding the record for the most Breeders’ Cup appearances by a single horse, competing on six occasions. His accolades include the 2017 Sovereign Award for Canada’s Champion Three-Year-Old Colt and the prestigious 2020 Eclipse Award as North America’s Turf Male of the Year. Noteworthy triumphs in 2020 include claiming victory in two esteemed Grade 1 races, the Sword Dancer and Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, earning him the esteemed title of Eclipse Award winner as Turf Male Horse. Upon retiring from the racetrack in 2023, Channel Maker found a new home at Old Friends Retirement Farm in Kentucky, graciously donated by his dedicated connections.
Conditioner Danny Vella’s illustrious career includes being a two-time Sovereign Award-winning trainer, boasting an impressive 135 career stakes wins. His success shone brightly with two Queen’s Plate victories, first in 1994 with Basqueian followed by another triumph in 2012 with Strait of Dover. Vella’s journey began in 1985, but it was in 1991 when he joined Frank Stronach’s stable that his career truly took off. Notable wins include Hero’s Love in the E. P. Taylor Stakes and Explosive Red in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby. The year 1994 marked a standout season for Vella with 19 Woodbine stakes victories, spearheaded by Basqueian’s Queen’s Plate win, King Ruckus, Champion Sprinter, and Honky Tonk Tune. Over the span of three years, Vella clinched an additional 15 stakes wins in 1996, totaling 58 added money wins. Among the list of stakes winners trained by Vella are Cash Ticket, Phantom Light, Knights Templar, Field Commission, and the more recent Alpha Bettor. In 2012, Vella’s expertise shone through with the transformation of Wally and Terry Leong’s Strait of Dover into a poly track sensation, clinching victory in the Marine. Vella’s impressive training career, concluding in 2022, comprises 5,740 starts (869-841-7) and earnings reaching $39,438,727.
Raised in Ridgeway, Ontario, Richard Grubb, an inductee in the veteran category, commenced his riding career back in 1966. At the tender age of 16, he clinched victory in his inaugural professional race, paving the way for a remarkable journey of 1,606 career wins before hanging up his boots in 1989. In 1967, Grubb was crowned as Canada’s leading jockey with an impressive tally of 230 triumphs. That same year, he achieved an unprecedented feat by securing victories in seven consecutive races out of eight during a single race day. Throughout his illustrious career, Grubb partnered with some of the nation’s most revered horses, including Mary of Scotland, Rouletabille, and the esteemed 1968 Horse of the Year, Viceregal. Notable among his victories was his conquest aboard Zaca Spirit in the 25th running of the Manitoba Derby in 1973. His legacy boasts of triumphs in over 100 major races and the prestigious Avelino Gomez Memorial Award bestowed upon him in 1997. After bidding farewell to the racing circuit in 1989, Grubb transitioned into a senior Steward role with the Ontario Racing Commission, a position he diligently fulfilled for a remarkable span of 24 years.
For more details on the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, visit their official website at canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com.
Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame
In the realm of horse racing in Canada, the prestigious Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame stands as a pinnacle of excellence. Celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals and horses in the sport, this institution holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts.
Inductees into the Hall of Fame represent a diverse array of talents and accomplishments, each leaving a lasting impact on the history and legacy of Canadian horse racing. Their stories serve as a testament to passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport they love.
Visitors to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame are treated to a rich tapestry of history and success, where the legacy of legends is preserved and celebrated. It is a journey through time, honoring the past while inspiring the future generations of horse racing aficionados.
The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of horse racing, a living tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to the sport. It is a testament to the enduring spirit and passion that drives individuals to reach new heights of achievement in Canadian horse racing.
