Historically, the management of Thoroughbred racing in both the United States and Canada fell under the jurisdiction of the New York-based Jockey Club of the United States. However, in 1973, Canadian stakeholders took decisive action to oversee the destiny of horse racing within their borders. They established the Jockey Club of Canada in Toronto, Ontario, effectively branching off from the US Jockey Club. This institution now serves as both the Canadian Jockey Club and the American arm of the Jockey Club in Canada.
Despite this division, the North American Graded Stakes Committee of the Jockey Club of America continued to govern graded racing policies across the region, including Canada, until 1998. Following the formation of the Jockey Club of Canada's Graded Stakes Committee, the number of Canadian stakes races surged while maintaining exemplary standards of racing quality. In 2011 alone, 37 graded races garnered international acclaim for their excellence.
Unlike the United States, Canada lacks its stud book for racing horses. In 1868, Volume 1 of the American Stud Book was compiled by Sanders Bruce, a Union Army colonel and equine expert. This initial compilation, by default, included horses bred in Canada. Subsequently, the rights to the Stud Book were acquired by the US Jockey Club, which continues to register Thoroughbred horses to this day, encompassing Canadian entries as well.
The deep integration of horse racing between Canada and the USA can be attributed to several factors.
North American Colonial History
During the era of colonisation, the British Empire emerged as the foremost power in shaping the landscape of North America.
Despite initial French settlements in Canada, the British Empire had ambitious designs for the continent. In the pivotal Battle of Quebec during the Seven Years' War in 1759, the English army's triumph over the French resulted in the acquisition of Canada, firmly establishing it as a British territory. Subsequently, on June 1, 1867, Canada was declared a dominion of Britain, gaining autonomy to establish its government.
In what is now the United States, the first English colony of Virginia was established in 1607, followed swiftly by the founding of twelve additional English colonies across North American soil. The Revolutionary War of 1775-1783 marked the turning point where Britain lost control over the United States, though it retained dominion over territories north of the Great Lakes.
Formally divided by nationality, the multicultural North American populace maintained a shared way of life, culture, traditions, and familial bonds, indicating a collective identity. This unity is exemplified by the fact that proponents of American independence envisioned Canada as an integral part of the future United States. In 1775, General Richard Montgomery led an army in an invasion of Canada, seizing Montreal. However, the Canadian campaign ultimately failed, resulting in the restoration of the pre-war status quo.
Climate and Geography of Canada
Despite its vast size, Canada, the world's second-largest country after Russia, exhibits uneven population distribution. Large swathes of its territory, known as the "Canadian Shield," remain sparsely inhabited, characterised by snow-covered landscapes, glaciers, rocky terrain, and dense taiga forests. The average annual temperature in these regions remains below freezing.
The heart of Canadian civilisation thrives alongside the Great Lakes, where warm air currents from the Gulf of Mexico create a temperate climate, rarely subjecting the lakes to freezing temperatures. Agriculture flourishes in this region, allowing for the cultivation of subtropical crops.
Remarkably, 90% of Canadians reside within a 2-hour drive of the US border, clustered along a narrow strip of land extending about 100 miles inward. Consequently, nearly a quarter of the country's population resides in its largest urban centres, Vancouver and Toronto.
As a result, the horse racing industry gravitates towards this densely populated area and is notably influenced by its neighbour, the United States. Woodbine, the largest racetrack in Canada, serves as the flagship venue for Canadian horse racing and often hosts American racing events on its tracks.
Economic Integration with the USA
The strategic location of Quebec and Montreal along the St. Lawrence River, coupled with the development of the Lachine Canal in the early 20th century, facilitated maritime access to the Great Lakes. On the American side, canals linked the lake shores, enabling major ports such as Buffalo, Detroit, and Chicago to accommodate merchant vessels and establish vital trade routes connecting Canada with various regions of the United States.
The landmark 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement marked a watershed moment, catalysing a significant uptick in bilateral trade between the two nations.
An astonishing 75% of Canadian exports find their way to the United States. Canada relies heavily on its southern neighbour as the primary purchaser of its crude oil and nearly all domestically assembled automobiles. Moreover, key resources such as aluminium, wood, steel, and plastic constitute the bulk of Canada's exports to its "big brother" across the border. This symbiotic economic relationship underscores the depth of integration between the two countries, with cross-border trade serving as a cornerstone of their shared prosperity.
Borders Between Countries
In the Great Lakes region, the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 established that the border between the United States and Canada follows the water's surface, eschewing the need for fortifications or warship patrols along the border. This agreement reflects the cooperative approach to border management in this area.
Furthermore, the 1991 Open Skies Agreement between Canada and the United States expanded cross-border opportunities for airlines from both countries, fostering increased connectivity and collaboration in the aviation sector.
The longstanding and deeply rooted connection between the two nations is evident in various aspects, including the realm of horse racing.
Both countries frequently host races at each other's racetracks, and there exists a shared breeding stock of horses. Canadian horses and jockeys are familiar sights at American racetracks, and vice versa. This close association has led to Canada being colloquially referred to as the "51st state of America." While somewhat tongue-in-cheek, this statement underscores the mutual benefits derived from the proximity and strong ties between the two nations.