Rod Cone

Jodie Hiesinger has been named the first recipient of the Jockey Club of Canada's Outstanding Western Canadian Backstretch Worker, a Thoroughbred award that partners with the long-standing Outstanding Groom Awards given to a groom working in Ontario. The award is sponsored by HBPA Alberta, Horse Racing Alberta, and CTHS Alberta. "It was kind of a surprise," said Hiesinger, 34, who works for Alberta trainer Rod Cone. "I knew Rod had nominated me, but I didn't really think anything about it. I love what I do. It's not really a job...

The Jockey Club of Canada will present Rose Day with the 2025 Outstanding Groom Award, Tove Morgan with the Outstanding Off-track Worker Award, and Jodie Hiesinger with the inaugural Outstanding Western Canadian Backstretch Worker Award, the group announced via a press release that also included the media finalists for the 2025 Sovereign Awards. Part of the Woodbine Racetrack community for nearly three decades, Day has been a groom for 22 years--13 of them with Sid and Larry Attard. Recognized for her consistently positive attitude and ability to motivate those around...

The Alberta Thoroughbred industry was celebrated at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino on the evening of May 5 as over 130 Alberta Thoroughbred breeders, owners, trainers, and backstretch workers joined to honor Alberta's best. "In 2022, Alberta horse racing moved forward from the pandemic and began the recovery process with reasons for optimism on many fronts," said Master of Ceremonies Ken Gee on behalf of Horse Racing Alberta Chief Executive Officer Kent Verlik. "An exciting accomplishment was the long-term funding agreement signed by Horse Racing Alberta and the Alberta Government...