Montreal-born Vicki Pappas, Chair of Longrun Thoroughbred Adoption Society in Hillsburgh, has been inducted into the 2021 Canadian Racing Hall of Fame in the category of Thoroughbred Builder.
Pappas has had an impressive career in the Canadian racing industry starting as a groom, trainer, then working her way through the ranks to become an owner, breeder, on-air commentator, and stakes coordinator. Pappas was one of the partners who bred 2006 Queen’s Plate winner, Edenwold.
Longrun is the first industry-funded thoroughbred adoption program in Canada. It was established as a charity in 2000, and in 2016, through a generous bequest from Lana Hershelle Sniderman, purchased a 100-acre farm in Hillsburgh.
To date, Longrun has adopted out or provided assistance to more than 1,000 retired thoroughbreds. Longrun is managed by a volunteer board of directors and a year-round staff.
The facility has room for 50 horses and offers educational programs. Wendy Muir, executive administrator at Longrun, says: “Vicki is a caring person, dedicated to the well-being of all animals and over the past 20 years, in a volunteer capacity, has focussed on ensuring that thoroughbreds receive the retirement they so deserve.”