Sponsored by Tom Rankin.
The Bill Galvin Racing Alliance (BGRA), with the support of Standardbred breeder and owner Tom Rankin, is once again holding its annual Youth Contests.
The exciting contests returning this year are:
• Youth Literary Derby — Open to Ontario elementary school students (Grades 3-8). Participants can submit a poem or short story about anything related to Standardbred racing. Entries will be judged in junior (Grades 3-5) and intermediate (Grades 6-8) divisions.
• Youth Art Derby — Open to Ontario students (Grades 3-12). Participants can submit a drawing, sketch or painting with a Standardbred theme, with categories for junior (Grades 3-5), intermediate (Grades 6-8), and senior (Grades 9-12).
With the generous support of Tom Rankin, cash prizes will be awarded to the top three entries in each division (1st- $250; 2nd - $150; 3rd - $100). The deadline for submission is Aug. 31, 2026.
In addition to sponsoring the contests, Rankin will also once again be welcoming all to an Open House at his farm in St. Catharines, Ont. Attendees will be able to meet the broodmares and foals, and perhaps even draw inspiration for their contest entries. The Open House this year is set for Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those wishing to attend can register by contacting Rankin Construction by May 27th at 905-684-1111 during business hours (Monday to Friday).
“We’re incredibly grateful to Tom for sponsoring these contests again and for his dedication to youth involvement in Standardbred racing,” said Karen Hauver, BGRA director.
“I'm thrilled to support the BGRA Youth Contests again this year,” said Tom. “Encouraging young people to engage with Standardbred racing—whether through art, writing, or hands-on experiences—helps foster a lifelong appreciation for these incredible horses. It’s been wonderful to witness the passion and creativity that past participants have brought to these contests, and I’m also looking forward to welcoming the community back to our farm for another Open House. It's a privilege to be part of something that connects the next generation to the world of horse racing in such a meaningful way."
Contest finalists aged 13 and up will also receive complimentary access to Equine Guelph’s Youth Horse Behaviour and Safety online course.
For promotional materials for educators and youth group leaders, please email info@bgracingalliance.ca. Full contest details and rules are available on our website.
Good luck and happy drawing and writing!
About the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance
A group of Ontario harness racing enthusiasts who were friends and associates of the late Bill Galvin, formed the BGRA to promote Ontario harness racing in the Hall of Famer’s honour.
The mission of the BGRA is to work together to create and encourage partnerships and programs that will promote and grow harness racing by engaging the public with the racing community.
SOURCE: Bill Gavin Racing Alliance (BGRA)