Charity Challenge Participants Announced

September 14, 2022

The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society was very fortunate to win the inaugural Breeders Crown Charity Challenge in 2019. The Breeders Crown returns to Mohawk this year along with the Challenge. The participants for this year’s event, sponsored by the Libfeld-Katz Breeding Partnership, were announced today.


In just three years the BCCC has raised more than $800,000 for local charities of each year’s Breeders Crown host track. In 2021, the challenge set a new event record, raising over $400,000 for charities in The Meadowlands area.


This year’s event is also shaping up to be something special. The format showcases four teams, with each entry comprised of a prominent owner, their charity of choice, and a leading driver at Mohawk, competing to net the largest donation amount from a minimum pool of $200,000. 


Here are the four teams:

Team Brad Grant/Doug McNair - Charity: Milton District Hospital Foundation 

Team Determination/Bob McClure – Charity: Kids Help Phone Line 

Team Steve Heimbecker/James MacDonald – Charity: Pine River Institute 

Team Libfeld-Katz/Louis-Philippe Roy – Charity: Toronto General Hospital Heart Research Centre - SickKids Hospital Toronto 


Each team has pledged $25,000, which guarantees their charity of choice a minimum donation in that amount. An additional $100,000 has been raised through donations made by industry participants. 


With a minimum $25,000 guaranteed to be directed to each charity, the additional monies will be decided through a Driver Challenge and Social Media Challenge. 


“This is a great addition to an already exciting event,” said Bob McClure. “It’s one more thing that adds to the excitement of the Breeders Crown. I’m really happy to be part of it.” 


A sentiment echoed by Doug McNair. “I’m looking forward to teaming up with my fellow drivers to help raise money for some very worthwhile charities.” 


Fifty thousand dollars will be distributed to the charities based on each driver’s performance in the Ontario Sires Stakes Lampman Cup standings. The team with the driver earning the most points in the OSS season will be awarded $20,000. The remaining $30,000 will be distributed as $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000, respectively, based on each driver’s ranking in the standings. 

Fifty thousand dollars will be directed to the charities based on each team’s social media engagement. The team creating the most engagement by using their team hashtag will earn $20,000. The remaining $30,000 will be distributed as $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, based on each team’s engagement numbers. 


The team hashtags are listed below. Supporters are asked to go on Twitter and use the hashtag of their favourite team and also include #CrownCharity22. 

Team Brad Grant/Doug McNair - #GrantUsVictory 

Team Determination/Bob McClure - #DeterminedToWin 

Team Steve Heimbecker/James MacDonald - #BeckerThanTheRest 

Team Libfeld-Katz/Louis-Philippe Roy - #MeetTheFieldofKatz 


The 2022 Breeders Crown presented by Libfeld-Katz Breeding Partnership will take place on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. 


“We are looking forward to putting on a first-class event and making this year’s Breeders Crown one of the most memorable editions in its storied history,” said Jim Lawson, Woodbine’s CEO. “From a world class night of racing, to raising money and awareness for deserving charities, to the support of so many passionate and caring horse people, this year’s Breeders Crown is something we can all truly be proud.”


The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge would not be possible without the generous support of the following individuals and groups: 


Marvin Katz 

Al Libfeld 

Determination 

Brad Grant 

Steve Heimbecker 

Bob McClure 

Doug McNair 

James MacDonald 

Louis-Philippe Roy 


Diamond Pledges: 

Alagna Racing 

Bettors Delight Syndicate – Blue Chip Farms 

Hanover Shoe Farms 

Hunterton Farm 

Southwind Farms 

Lindy Farms 

Brittany Farms 

Muscle Mass – Bob Brady 

Seelster Farms 

Tara Hills Stud 

Winbak Farm 

Additional Pledges: 

Carmen Auciello 

John Bax 

Cameo Hills Farm 

Richard Moreau 


(WEG)

KJ Owen Joins OSAS

March 6, 2026
OSAS is pleased to welcome the iron tough KJ Owen to their roster. A 12 year-old gelding by Roll With Joe, KJ Owen faced the gate an incredible 297 time over his 10 year career. He recorded his 50 th lifetime win in April of last year at Flamboro with Austin Sorrie at the controls. Upon his retirement in January of this year he sported a summary of 52-41-38 for $311,000 banked. The first foal of Winsmith Jess, KJ Owen raced primarily in the US at various racetracks. His first Canadian start was in January of 2025 at Mohawk. He has two brothers with earnings over $200,000 – KJ Hunter and KJ Leo both of whom are still racing at Monticello Raceway. Owen is now at Susan and Bert Mollica’s foster farm where he will be trained for his second career.

Second Career For Steel Reserve

February 28, 2026
“I’ve never seen a horse with the emotions he’s shown. When he first arrived, my husband and I were both like, ‘We don’t know what to do.’ We had never seen a horse cry before but there were literal tears in his eyes,” said Susan Mollica of OSAS graduate Steel Reserve. Bert Mollica used a different training technique with the warhorse whose second career will be somewhat unique. His story is profiled in the latest installment of OSAS Pathways by Matthew Loman and may be read here.

OSAS Auction Closed

February 22, 2026
The Ontario Stallion Adoption Society’s 2026 Stallion Auction has now closed. Breedings to 16 sires from Ontario and PEI were offered over the past four days. OSAS extends sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s auction including the stallion owners, the stud farms and everyone who placed a bid. Congratulations to the successful bidders and the best of luck. To view the full list of stallions and buyers please click here.

OSAS Stallion Auction Closes Friday At Noon

February 19, 2026
Please be advised that the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society’s 2026 Stallion auction will close Friday, February 20 th at noon. It is important to note that the end time can be extended to a maximum of 30 minutes on each of the 16 stallion breedings available if there is continued bidding. You are notified by email and/or text (if you select that option) if you are the winning bidder and if someone has outbid you. This year OSAS is using 32 Auctions as their auction platform site. Here is the explanation of how the extended bidding works: How does Extended Bidding work? If an item receives a bid during the final three (3) minutes of the auction, the item end time will be extended to allow for 3 additional minutes of bidding. This process repeats until no new bids are received during the final 3 minutes of the item bidding window or the auction has been extended for a maximum of 30 minutes beyond the original end time. When an auction is extended, you'll see Extended Bidding messages displayed throughout the auction with a link for easily viewing all of the extended items. For further information on this feature, and an example, please click here. Here is the link to the actual auction site.

OSAS Stallion Auction Starts Today

February 17, 2026
The 2026 Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society’s Stallion Auction begins today at noon. This year we offer 16 top stallions from Ontario and PEI including one stallion, King Of The North, whose book is already closed this year. Use the link below to enter the site and see what stallions are available. Follow the easy steps to register which allows you to bid on any of the stallions. We encourage you to register early. Good luck to all and thanks to everyone for their support of this popular fundraiser again this year. The auction closes on Friday, February 20 starting at noon. Enter the auction site here

2026 OSAS Stallion Auction

February 10, 2026
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society is pleased to announce the dates for their 2026 stallion auction. The annual fundraiser will kick off at noon on Tuesday, February 17 and close Friday, February 20 with a staggered close starting at noon. This may be your last opportunity to obtain breedings to popular sires whose books have already closed or are close to closing for the season. Bids will be in Canadian funds. The sires available to date are as follows (in alphabetical order): All Bets Off Betterthancheddar Betting Line Big Jim Century Farroh Control The Moment Dancin Lou Its Academic King Of The North Lawless Shadow Lookslikeachipndale Malicious (PEI) McWicked Shanghai Phil Sportswriter (PEI) OSAS thanks every stallion owner for their generosity and support again this year. Additional sires will be accepted up until February 13. To donate, or if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Joanne Colville at osashorses@gmail.com or call or text 905-339-6748. Established in 1996, OSAS is the official adoption agency for Standardbred horses in the province, responsible for spreading the message of the versatility of the breed and finding forever loving homes for retired pacers and trotters.

Spotlight On Sweet Deisel

January 30, 2026
After earning more than $350,000 during his racing career, Sweet Deisel is set to embark on the second chapter of his career, as a riding horse. He’ll be leaving Susan and Bert Mollica’s foster farm along side another OSAS trainee, Stetson Seelster, at the end of this month. His story is featured in WEG’ OSAS Pathways this week and may be read https://woodbine.com/mohawk/mohawk-news/osas-pathways-sweet-deisel/

Amrock Major Passes

January 29, 2026
Amrock Major has passed. He was 38. A warrior on the racetrack, the son of River Rouge faced the gate more than 203 times during his career which started as a four-year-old in 1992 and ended during his 10 th year in 1998. Bred by Dennis and Gerald Rock of London, Ontario, the tough performer raced at B tracks and fairs throughout Ontario during the 1990s. His last start was in October of 1998 at the now defunct Elmira Raceway with trainer Gerry Gaynor driving. Gaynor trained Amrock Major for the last four years of his career. Prior to that he was conditioned by Ron Brintnell. A son of Graylin Jean, Major is a half-brother to Amrock Wise Guy who earned a quarter of a million dollars during his racing career four decades ago. Amrock Major came into OSAS after his retirement from racing and he was adopted within a few months. Several years later his owner was facing health issues and Major returned to OSAS. He spent his last years at the farm of Pam Brooker who provided him a wonderful life.

Spotlight On Stetson

January 8, 2026
Stetson Seelster, who celebrated his third birthday a few days ago, is the latest OSAS horse featured in WEG’s ongoing series by writer Matthew Loman. Stetson is currently training for a career as a riding horse under the watchful eye of Bert and Susan Mollica. The story of Stetson, who is closely related to Canada’s 2024 Horse of the Year Chantilly, may be read through the link below. https://woodbine.com/mohawk/mohawk-insider/osas-pathways-stetson-seelster/ 

Santa’s Second Chance Raffle Winners

December 15, 2025
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society congratulates the winners of our annual Santa’s Second Chance Raffle. We are very grateful for everyone who supported this event again this year by donating prizes and purchasing tickets. This year’s draw raised more than $7,500. The winners were drawn live on Facebook Sunday (December 14) evening by Emma Christoforou, who organizes the popular fundraiser every year with the assistance of her mother, OSAS’s Joanne Colville, and dedicated long time volunteer Jean Posthuma. A total of 24 baskets were offered this with varying values and included a myriad of wonderful items including Toronto Maple Leaf tickets, a full harness, various horse supplies, cosmetics, lottery tickets, games night and much more. The following is a list of this year’s baskets and their lucky winner. Emma will reach out to the winners to organize pick up and/or delivery. Thanks again to everyone for their participation in any way - our horses appreciate your support. #1 – Dog Lovers - Mary Lou Nerbonne #2 – Date Night – Laura Toscani #3 – Mast Harness – Brady Lagace #4 – Beauty Basket – Mary Lou Nerbonne #5 – Custom Equine Designs – Sherri Whitworth #6 – On The Go – Julie Bergsma #7 – Hopples & Hangers - Kyle Bryant #8 – Coffee Lovers – Jessica Street #9 – Chocolate Lover – Rena Soundy #10 – Lottery Lover - Julianne Watson #11 – Horse Lovers – Haley Angell #12 – Girls Night Out - Marie-Soleil Fontaine #13 – Preserves – Eileen Van Der Deen #14 – Game Night – Monique MacLean #15 – Family Night – Rena Soundy #16 – Wine & Cheese – Tracey Kempffer #17 – Newborn – Kim Huson #18 – Self Care – Natasha Steacy #19 – Car Care – Barry Treen #20 – Leaf tickets – Susan Mollica #21 – Home – Tracey Kempffer #22 – Equine Omega Alpha – Tessa Passero #23 – LZR Wheels (2025) – Ashleigh Hensley #24 – OSAS Swag – Ronota Baglole Bonus draw for a gift card – Tracey Kempffer
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