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Rancho Bernardo Stakes Kings Plate Results Hall of Fame Inductions King's Plate entries Sorrento Stakes |
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 The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame rings, nameplates, plaques and trophies waiting to go to the inductees. |
On Wednesday night the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame welcomed its 2026 induction class and celebrated its 50th year, at a dinner event at Mississauga Convention Centre with about 500 people in attendance. There were fourteen, new members voted into the Hall this year, five equine and nine human, and one Meritorious Award, for individuals that fall outside the Hall's established criteria for induction, but have demonstrated an extraordinary and sustained impact on the industry with a legacy of transformative contributions that have measurably advanced Canadian horse racing and left an enduring mark on the sport.
Human inductees receive a Hall of Fame ring, equine inductees' owners receive both a stall nameplate and a trophy, while Legends inductees and Meritorious Award winners receive a plaque.
A tradition at the start of the ceremony is to gather all the Hall of Fame's Honoured Members present along with the new inductees and horse connections for a group photo. They posed for a group photo then toasted the new members. Current members assembled in front while the Class of 2026 gathered on the stage. Commemorative Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary stemless wine glasses were used for the toast.
Majestic Son was inducted in the Standardbred Male Horse category. He won 22 of 38 starts earning almost $2 million in purses, making him the richest son of fellow Hall of Famer Angus Hall. He defeated archrival Glidemaster four times, in the Champlain, Goodtimes, Canadian Trotting Classic, and Breeders Crown. In his exceptional 2006 season he won 14 of 19 starts, winning $1.3 million, and set a Canadian record 1:55 on a half mile track (Flamboro) and 1:52 2/5 on a 7/8 mile track (Mohawk). He was honoured with O'Brien Awards as divisional champion and Horse of the Year. As a 4-year-old he set a Canadian record time for a 5/8 mile track winning the Frank Ryan Memorial Trot at Rideau Carleton, before a career-ending injury sent him to stallion duty. In North America his progeny have earned over $25 million including Charmed Lide and Perfetto, and then relocated to Alabar Bloodstock in South Australia where he is a top sire in Australia and New Zealand. Accepting his trophy and nameplate on his behalf was his trainer Mark Stecey, presented by Jeff Porchak, chair of the Standardbred Nomination Commitee.
Rahy's Attorney was inducted in the Thoroughbred Male Horse category. The offspring of a $7500 mare and $3000 stallion was claimed by trainer Ian Black in his third start, and soon proved his greatness when moved to the turf. After winning the Vice Regent at 3 and then the Connaught Cup at 4, Black entered him in the Woodbine Mile (G1), winning at odds of 12-1 earning him the Sovereign Award as champion turf horse. In 2010 he won his third Bunty Lawless Stakes at Woodbine, and then in what would be his final career start, he finished a close second after almost winning gate to wire in the Sword Dancer Invitational (G1) at 1 1/2 miles at Saratoga. An injury in that race ended his career, earning over $2 million with 14 wins in 41 starts. He retired to LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society's farm where he still greets his fans. Accepting his trophy and nameplate on his behalf was his owners Joe and Ellen MacLellan from trainer Ian Black, member of the Thoroughbred Nomination Committee.
Mike Saftic was inducted in the Standardbred Driver category. Moving from his Northern Ontario home his journey to the top began in 1985 when he began to compete on the highly competitive Ontario Jockey Club circuit (Mohawk and Greenwood Raceways), working alongside trainer Garth Gordon. In 1989 Saftic reined Soft Light, a Free-For-All pacer, to wins at The Meadowlands and the Monctonian Pace. That year kicked off a 29-year streak of over $1 million in earnings per year, which included a 23-year streak of $2 million. Among his champion drives included Ellamony, Sir Luck, Pleasure Chest, Nuclear Flash, and Luckyisasluckydoes. He won more than 100 stakes races valued at over $100,000, and served as the primary driver for 12 millionaire horses including Armbro Chronicle, Son of Grace, and Boulder Creek. In 2018, he surpassed $100 million in career earnings. Saftic was presented with his ring by Garth Gordon.
Michael Burns Jr. was inducted in the Thoroughbred Communicator category. The son of Hall of Famer Michael Burns Sr., the Burns family has been photographing horse racing in Ontario for 75 years. Michael Jr. took over the family business in partnership with his sister Patricia when their father passed away in 2010. In 2022 he was inducted into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame joining his father. Along with his Woodbine duties he is the official photographer of Curling Canada covering 4 Winter Olympic Games, and has also worked for IndyCar and the Canadian Golf Tour. Burns was presented with his ring by Jim Bannon of the Thoroughbrd Election Committee and Glenn Sikura of the Thoroughbred Nomination Committee.
Put On A Show was inducted in the Standardbred Female Horse category. Trained by Hall of Famer Chris Ryder, the daughter of Rocknroll Hanover out of Artsplace mare Steinams Place retired as the fastest female pacer in history with a mark of 1:47 3/5 and the 7th richest pacing female of all time with earnings of over $2.46 million. She won 31 of her 50 starts, including wins in the She's a Great Lady, Eternal Camnation, Breeders Crown, and Lady Liberty Stakes. As a broodmare she produced 6 foals of racing age who have earned $2.7 million including Best In Show and It's My Show. In 2025 she was inducted into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York. Accepting her trophy and nameplate on her behalf was owner (during her racing career) Richard Young from current owner Steve Stewart.
John Brnjas was inducted in the Thoroughbred Builder category. The founder of Colebrook Farms in Uxbridge, Ontario originally raced a stable of horses with trainer Frank Passero before turning over the racing stable to his daughter Ashlee. In partnership with Danny Dion's Bear Stables, Brnjas raced stakes winner Johnny Bear. Sadly, Ashlee passed away in 2021. Later he would buy Simply in Front at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, who went on to win the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2), Ladies' Turf Mile, Music City (G2), and First Lady (G1), earning $4.8 million for Brnjas before being sold for $2 million as a broodmare to Greenwell Throughbreds. He has been a Vice-President and Director of CTHS Ontario and a key member of the CTHS Finance Committee and Thoroughbred Improvement Program. Brnjas was presented with his ring by his grandchildren Jordan and Jade.
Dr. William Henry Riddell was posthumously inducted in the Standardbred Legends category. He spent his lifetime devoted to harness racing as a veterinarian, breeder, trainer, and driver during the 1920's and 1930's, while still having the time to serve as the mayor of Orangeville. His defining moment came in 1934 wen he drove Reta R to a 3-heat victory in the Futurity Cup at the Canadian National Exhibition at age 75, earning him the title "The Dean of Ontario Harness Racing". After World War I Canada's horse population was severely depleted, so Dr. Riddell set out to reverse the trend by importing proven breeding stock from across North America, raising local breeding standards significantly. Shortly before his death in 1934 he still trained about 20 horses including trotter Van Riddell. Accepting his Legends plaque on his behalf was Museum of Dufferin archivist Laura Camilleri from Standardbred Legends Commitee chair Darryl Kaplan.
Eva Ring was posthumously inducted in the Thoroughbred Legends category. During a time when women were not permitted to obtain jockey licenses, Ring was a traiblazer in the sport as one of the first female riders and trainers in Western Canada. Some women disguised as males to get into the saddle, while Ring competed at venues where licences were not required such as bush tracks, county fairs, recreation parks, and exhibition centres. Well known to raicng fans, she was often featured in the sports sections of regional newspapers in the 1930's and 1940's. Accepting her Legends plaque on her behalf were her 2 daughters. At the podium one said "Eva's story is one of courage, determination, and resilience. During the Great Depression after my great grandfather was seriously injured, she stepped into a world that was largely excluded to women. She rode racehorses often presenting herself a a man, not for recognition but to provide for her family."
Ralph Pearson was posthumously given the Hall of Fame's Meritorious Award. Pearson founded the Quarter Horse racing industry in Ontario, moving casual races at Greco Farm to the newly established Picov Downs in Ajax, Ontario. He brought legal parimutuel wagering to Picov Downs and the Markham Fair in the 1970's and organized Quarter Horse meets at Woodbine and other tracks. As an owner and trainer he owned numerous horses including top older horse Countrys Comin Bac. In 1989 he was presented with the AQHA Register of Merit. At the time of his passing in 2025 he was still on the board of the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario. Accepting on his behalf were his 4 daughters from Bill Ford, president of the Hall of Fame.
Richard Dos Ramos was inducted in the Thoroughbred Jockey category. The native of Trinidad came to Canada as a young boy and grew up in Malton, near Woodbine Racetrack. Seeing Sandy Hawley win on television inspired him to pursue a riding career. Starting as a hot walker and groom for trainer Johnny Mack he obtained his jockey licence, winning the riding titles at Woodbine and Greenwood in 1981, earning him the Sovereign Award as outstanding apprentice in 1981 and 1982. In 1986 he won the Breeders' Stakes on the filly Carotene for trainer Roger Attfield. Dos Ramos is best known for two of the most memorable longshot Grade 1 wins in Woodbine history, defeating A.P. Indy aboard Benburb in the 1992 Molson Export Million (replacing the injured Larry Attard), and then winning the 1999 Canadian International aboard Thornfield at 18-1. Both upset wins earned Horse of the Year honours at the Sovereign Awards. In 2002 he earned the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, and won over 150 stakes races in his career. Dos Ramos was presented with his ring by fellow Hall of Fame jockey Robin Platts, and retired jockey Dino Luciani, who currently serves as the Clerk of Scales at Woodbine.
Dale Saunders was posthumously inducted in the Thoroughbred Trainer category. Affectionately called "The Colonel", he would be better described as the King of Thoroughbred training in western Canada. Over a half century career, Saunders saddled 2,177 winners, 6th all time in Canada, as only the second trainer exclusively racing in Alberta to win over 2,000 races, joining fellow Hall of Famer Ron "Red" Smith. Among his stakes winners include Dark Hours, Mandalero, Highland Leader, Shady Remark, and Libby Love. In 2023 he was presented with the E.P. Taylor Award of Merit by the Jockey Club of Canada. Saunders passed away in September 2024 at the age of 82. Accepting his Hall of Fame ring on his behalf were his widow Barb and daughter Nicky.
Dr. Maurice Stewart was inducted in the Standardbred Builder category. The veterinarian is a relentless advocate for Alberta horse racing and a successful owner and breeder. The graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine has spent over 30 years representing fellow horsepeople across Canada. He served as a director of the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society and Standardbred Canada. In 1991 he led negotiations with the USTA which resulted in the acceptance of the Canadian Stud Book. He was instrumental in the the amalgamation of the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society with the Canadian Trotting Association, which ultimately led to the formation of Standardbred Canada, and in 2001 brought the Atlantic provinces into the fold as they had previously operated under the USTA. As a breeder, two of his champions include Wrangler Cash and Wrangler Magic. Committee members Dr. John Hayes, Ted Smith, and John Levesque presented Dr. Stewart with his Hall of Fame ring.
One For Rose was inducted in the Thoroughbred Female Horse category. Claimed for $40,000 as a 3-year-old in her debut by trainer Sid Attard for owners Lou and Carlo Tucci. Winning the Maple Leaf Stakes (G3) at age 4 earning a 110 Beyer earned her first of three Sovereign Awards as champion older female. She would go on to win the Seagram Cup (G3) against males as well as the Algoma and Maple Leaf, as well as a close 4th behind champion Azeri in the Spinster (G1) at Keeneland. Retired to broodmare duty, Japanese owner Isama Nakamuri bought her at Keeneland January for $875,000, and produced two Grade 3 winners in Japan. The Tucci family used the money she earned to claim more horses, including Midnight Aria who won the Queen's Plate. Owners Lou and Carlo Tucci were presented with her trophy and nameplate by her trainer and Hall of Fame member Sid Attard.
Western Dreamer was posthumously inducted in the Standardbred Veteran Horse category. The son of Western Hanover out of Panorama mare Fits of Fun was foaled in April 1994 at Kentuckiana Farms in Georgetown, Kentucky, and after racing at age 2 in Kentucky, was sold to Canadian connections in November 1996. Trained by Bill Robinson and driven by Mike Lachance, he became the first horse in 14 years (and 8th overall) to sweep the Pacing Triple Crown, setting world record times in the Little Brown Jug (half mile track) and Messenger Stakes (5/8 mile). He was named Horse of the Year in Canada and Pacer of the Year in the U.S. in 1997. He retired with 27 wins in 91 starts, earning $1.8 million and set a career best 1:49 (mile track) at the Meadowlands. In 2001 he retired to the Hall of Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park, where he greeted visitors as an ambassador of harness racing until his passing in March 2026 at age 32. Owners Dan, Pat, and Sean Daly were presented with his trophy and nameplate by Standardbred Election Committee member Bill O'Donnell.
Doug Arthur was inducted in the Standardbred Trainer category. Raised on a dairy farm in Otterville, Ontario, he graduated from the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph with a degree in Animal Industry, and worked alongside his uncle Ed before establishing his own stable in 1969. He quickly earned a reputation as an astute judge of horseflesh, able to identify untapped potential in young Standardbreds. He is best known for purchasing Cam Fella for just $19,000 as a yearling, who would go on to be one of the sport's all time legends, as Horse of the Year in 1982 and 1983 and then as a stallion. Arthur also was associated with champions Keystone Raider, Bo Knows Jate, Justin Passing, J C's Suprimo, Mystery Skipper, Ludell Hanover, Mach Three, Silent Swing, and Raleigh Fingers. Arthur was presented with his Hall of Fame ring by Dr. Bob Boyce, former president of the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society.
The stage and ballroom where the gala was held. Standing at the podium are co-hosts Laurie Overton, representing the Standardbred industry, and Robert Geller representing the Thoroughbred industry. They took turns interviewing the inductees on stage after they were presented with their rings or trophies.
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