Board of Directors
LongRun continues to flourish with the help of these Ontario-based horsemen and women. Each volunteer donates their time and resources to help place thoroughbred racehorses no longer able to compete.
Janet Black
Janet Black, wife of trainer, Ian Black. Janet has two married daughters and six grandchildren. All the family are involved with horses, both racing and showing. Her life revolves around racehorses both at the track and at the farm, including her collection of retired thoroughbreds. “Being involved with LongRun gives me a chance to help in a small way to make sure that all racehorses get the retirement they deserve”.
Peg Higgins
Peggy Higgins worked for the Woodbine Entertainment Group (formerly the Ontario Jockey Club) from 1975 until 2009 wearing many hats. Starting in the old computer room which has now grown into the I.S. department, she also worked in Marketing and Promotions, Turf Club reception and managed the gift stores and lottery kiosks, giving her a well-rounded view of Canada’s leading thoroughbred racing venue.
As a founding member of LongRun, Peggy has a great love of racing and the horses that run for our pleasure. She feels she has been very lucky to earn a living in the industry she loves.
Sue Leslie
Sue Leslie, a lifetime animal lover, wears so many industry hats – she is the current President of the H.B.P.A., O.H.R.I.A. and F.E.L.R.C. – that it is a wonder she finds time to devote herself to helping LongRun, but Sue was instrumental in procuring the mandatory industry support we currently receive and continues to work tirelessly for our cause. Sue trains and has owned racehorses for over 30 years and is a strong advocate for animal welfare – she has even developed a spay/neuter program through the H.B.P.A. to help the many feral cats on Woodbine’s backstretch. “I believe everyone in our industry who benefits from the horses has a responsibility to help provide a dignified and safe retirement for them.”, states Sue.
Joe MacLellan
Joseph MacLellan, B.A. (Economics), C.G.A. (retired)
Along with his wife Ellen, they have operated Ellie Boje Farm, a small breeding and racing farm on 50 acres just outside Spencerville, Ontario for the last 21 years. Two of the more notable horses they have bred and raced are Rahy’s Attorney and Glitter Rox.
Joe has always believed that the after care of the Thoroughbred racehorse is just as important as the care and attention given to the horse during its racing career.
Vicki Pappas
LongRun chairperson and founding member, Vicki Pappas, has worked with thoroughbreds for over 40 years in a variety of capacities, including owner, trainer, bloodstock agent, stakes coordinator and colour commentator. She and her husband, Bill Diamant, currently have a small stable in training as well as a number of broodmares and were the breeders, in partnership with good friend Gail Wood, of Canadian champion and Queen’s Plate winner, millionaire Edenwold. A past winner of the prestigious BloodHorse Mint Julep Cup for her work with thoroughbred retirements, Vicki states “I am proud and happy to help the horses who have afforded me such a wonderful life ……it is always a humbling experience for me to be in the presence of their beauty, intelligence and courage.”
Carol Wilson Hodges
Horses have been part of Carol’s life for over 25 years, including managing a 40-acre horse farm in Priceville, Ontario. Her first horse was a thoroughbred gelding, although not competitive in racing, with a lot of time, love and trust came to enjoy his new life of hacking and the occasional hunter and eventing show. Carol is pleased to be contributing to an organization that finds loving, permanent homes for these beautiful and intelligent athletes.
Carol has been the President of a number of firms, including her own management consulting firm which supports small businesses to multi-billion dollar, international engineering companies located throughout North America. She has been on the Board of Directors of six companies and brings her business operations, financial management, business development and marketing skills to LongRun.