HRA Backstretch Foundation

11/25/2025

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Jeanette Haggan, a cherished member of our racing community and one of the founders of the Backstretch Foundation.

Jeanette spent countless hours supporting foreign jockeys, exercise riders, and grooms with their paperwork, and she brought a great deal of warmth and care to everyone who used the Learning Centre at Northlands Park. She was in the background at every breakfast, BBQ and event, making sure everything ran smoothly and efficiently. Her kindness and dedication touched many lives on the backstretch.

We extend our most sincere condolences to Jim and to all of Jeanette’s many friends in the backstretch community.

May she rest in peace. 🕊️🤍

April 11, 1954 - October 15, 2025 - Crystal Beach, Ontario It is with great sadness that the family of Jeanette Valerie Haggan, age 71, announces her passing after a courageous battle with cancer. Jeanette was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and beloved daughter and sister whos...

10/28/2025

Get your spooky on in the paddock at Century Downs and Century Mile!

The Backstretch Foundation will have a $50 gift card for the best costumes on Friday night!

09/14/2025

Congratulations to Alivia Kettleson and Pour House for taking home the Best Turned Out Award in the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Premier’s Futurity!

A big thank you to all the grooms who presented their horses so beautifully today. Each race featured a $50 gift card for the Best Turned Out award — recognizing the hard work, care, and pride that grooms put into their horses every day. 💙

09/14/2025

Congratulations to Misael Moreno and Zip It Writ for taking home the Best Turned Out Award in the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Beaufort Stakes!

A big thank you to all the grooms who presented their horses so beautifully today. Each race featured a $50 gift card for the Best Turned Out award — recognizing the hard work, care, and pride that grooms put into their horses every day. 💙

09/14/2025

Congratulations to Marlaine Calhoun and Brody’s Pal for taking home the Best Turned Out Award in the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Breeders’ Handicap!

A big thank you to all the grooms who presented their horses so beautifully today. Each race featured a $50 gift card for the Best Turned Out award — recognizing the hard work, care, and pride that grooms put into their horses every day. 💙

09/14/2025

Congratulations to Emma Bott and Solo Ring for taking home the Best Turned Out Award in the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Red Diamond Express Handicap!

A big thank you to all the grooms who presented their horses so beautifully today. Each race featured a $50 gift card for the Best Turned Out award — recognizing the hard work, care, and pride that grooms put into their horses every day. 💙

09/14/2025

Congratulations to Alfredo Amador and No More Lies for taking home the Best Turned Out Award in the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Oaks!

A big thank you to all the grooms who presented their horses so beautifully today. Each race featured a $50 gift card for the Best Turned Out award — recognizing the hard work, care, and pride that grooms put into their horses every day. 💙

09/14/2025

Congratulations to Chelsey Kerluke and Big Hug for taking home the Best Turned Out Award in the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Distaff Handicap!

A big thank you to all the grooms who presented their horses so beautifully today. Each race featured a $50 gift card for the Best Turned Out award — recognizing the hard work, care, and pride that grooms put into their horses every day. 💙

09/14/2025

Congratulations to Manon Sanikidze and Lil Miss Addy for taking home the Best Turned Out Award in the Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic Sturgeon River Stakes!

A big thank you to all the grooms who presented their horses so beautifully today. Each race featured a $50 gift card for the Best Turned Out award — recognizing the hard work, care, and pride that grooms put into their horses every day. 💙

09/14/2025

Congratulations to Stephanie Fernandez and Fabulous Persuasion for taking home the Best Turned Out Award in the Canada Cup Derby!

A big thank you to all the grooms who presented their horses so beautifully today. Each race featured a $50 gift card for the Best Turned Out award — recognizing the hard work, care, and pride that grooms put into their horses every day. 💙

09/10/2025

Best Turned Out Awards – Canada Quarter Horse Cup Futurity and Derby and Alberta Breeders' Fall Classic races!

We’re proud to recognize the grooms who exemplify the pride, professionalism and passion to get our equine athletes to the races! As our thank you for all that you do we’ll have a gift card for Best Turned Out in the paddock on Saturday!

09/09/2025

Congratulations to Backstretch Foundation member Helen Akerstrom on her recognition as “Horse person of the Year” for 2024 by Alberta Community Thoroughbred Racing Association!

Helen works tirelessly for members of the backstretch and we’re so blessed to call her a friend!