Named in honor of the legendary Standardbred Cam Fella, the award recognizes individuals whose recent contributions have had a significant impact on Canadian harness racing. Katz is recognized for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the sport through his work with the Breeders Crown Charity Challenge.
Founded by Katz in 2019, the Charity Challenge will celebrate its seventh year in 2025 and has become a cornerstone initiative of the Breeders Crown weekend. The program is designed to connect championship racing with meaningful community impact and has raised money annually within the harness racing industry for charities in each host community. Since its inception, the Charity Challenge has raised more than $2.4 million, a testament to Katz’s belief that the sport can and should make a difference beyond the track.
Katz saw the Charity Challenge as more than a fundraising effort, but aimed to create a lasting bridge between harness racing and the broader community. That vision was realized again in 2025, as drivers, owners and industry leaders united around causes while demonstrating the generosity and spirit that define the sport.
Under his leadership, the 2025 Charity Challenge raised $450,000 for local charities. Four teams paired leading owners and drivers with charity partners, distributing donations based on on-track performance and community involvement. Each charity received a minimum of $80,000, and the allocation of the money was based on several metrics, including the team owner’s and driver’s on-track performance, plus the charity’s social media engagement. The 2025 beneficiaries were Food4Kids Halton, Milton District Hospital Foundation, the Peter Munk Cardiac Center and Kids Help Phone.
The 2025 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge marked the final year with Katz at the helm as he prepared to hand over leadership of the program to a new steward for the 2026 edition.
The Cam Fella Award rewards dedication, innovation and integrity; qualities that Katz demonstrated through his work with the Charity Challenge. His leadership has elevated the Charity Challenge into a unifying initiative that has increased visibility, media interest and goodwill across the sector, while promoting long-term pride and commitment.
Katz will receive the Cam Fella Award at the 37th O’Brien Awards Gala on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the J-AAR Expo Center in Western Fair District in London, Ont.
By Standardbred Canada
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