Leading up to the fall National Caretaker Appreciation Day events taking place at The Raceway at Western Fair, Flamboro Downs, Leamington Raceway, Rideau Carleton Raceway and Fraser Downs, Standardbred Canada will profile caretakers from across the country in our Faces of Racing Series.
Cherie Paskaruk, 28, of Surrey, British Columbia, has been involved in harness racing since she was 15 years old when she and her Mom moved to a farm. Horseman Grant Hollingsworth provided her early lessons in harness racing until she moved to the racetrack. Over the years, she’s had many mentors including her current employer, trainer-driver Dave Hudon.
“I have literally looked up to all the trainers, grooms and drivers who have busted their butts working hard day in and out,” says Cherie. “Dozens of people can be named, because each and every one of them taught me something to become a better groom.”
Cherie attributes a good memory, hard work ethic and a love for animals and the sport as the recipe for success as a caretaker. However, she is a bit superstitious. “Before every race, I tend to say to Dave ‘let’s get a cheque.’ Or before stake races I like to say ‘top three is okay.’ So far it has been pretty lucky for us. Fingers crossed I didn’t just jinx it.”
Her enthusiasm for her work is evident and has been recognized by many of her peers as she was awarded Groom of the Year for 2018 by Harness Racing BC and she also received the Backstretch Award for Contributing to the Atmosphere & Optimism of Harness Racing.
One of Cherie’s most gratifying moments took place last November when a horse she grooms, Major Winker, won the $100,000 Robert Millbank Memorial on the richest card of racing at Fraser Downs. The victory was one of three wins during his two-year-old season in which he bankrolled almost $70,000. This year Major Winker has hit the board in 11 of 16 starts and now boasts just over $94,000 in season earnings.
Cherie and Told Ya Fred
As far as favourites go, a brown gelding sired by Faldo Hanover named Told Ya Fred takes the cake. Cherie owned and trained Told Ya Fred for several years before retiring and rehoming him as a riding horse. “It was very tough. He taught me everything, plus he was mine,” Cherie recalls, but also notes that she can go and visit him anytime she wants. “Trying not to get attached to every horse is the biggest challenge I have working as a caretaker. It pains me to see them leave our barn.”
The reward of working hard to help horses improve and watching young horses that she’s helped break go on and win major stake races outweigh the challenges of watching horses come and go. “Every week is a new week. You always have a shot at winning that race with one of yours that you personally groom.”
In addition to caring for horses, Cherie also manages to find some time to dabble in photography. In February of 2013, Cherie captured this beautiful image (below) of trainer Sandra Roberts jogging Alverna on an unusual wintery morning at Fraser Downs Racetrack.
The photo would go on to be a finalist for a 2013 Media Excellence Award and Cherie found herself making her first trip to the O’Brien Awards. The photo was also featured in the 2015 Heart of Harness Racing Calendar as the January Image.