Thoroughbred Builder

Being recognized as a Thoroughbred Builder Inductee in 2021 is Montreal-born and Streetsville, Ontario resident Victoria (Vicki) Pappas, making her the third woman to be inducted to the CHRHF in as many years.  Throughout a career spanning over 40 years, Pappas has been engaged in various elements of the Canadian Thoroughbred industry, starting first as a groom, she has also been a trainer, owner and breeder.   In 2006 Edenwold, bred by Pappas along with her husband Bill Diamant and long-time friend Gail Wood, won the Queen’s Plate.

As the face of the Woodbine Sales Company,  Vicki was involved in all aspects of the sale.   As one of the first on-camera hosts for Woodbine’s expanded simulcast show, Vicki handicapped races on air.  And as Woodbine’s stakes coordinator, Vicki worked tirelessly to encourage some of the world’s top horsepeople and horses to make the trip to Woodbine for major races.

Vicki may however be best known as the passionately dedicated and hands-on chairperson of LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society.   Under Vicki’s leadership, what began as a few people looking for ways to ensure Thoroughbred racehorses have a dignified and happy retirement, has grown into a registered charity, recognized as one of the continent’s most respected horse retirement and adoption organizations and is also the first industry-funded adoption program in Canada. To date, LongRun has successfully retired and adopted over 1,000 racehorses, and continues to care for 50 horses on its farm in Hillsburgh, Ontario.  Many of the farm’s resident equines are ‘lifers’ who will comfortably live out their days under the care of LongRun.