The countdown to The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair’s 100th Anniversary is officially on! With just over 100 days until doors open, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is proud to unveil the 2022 Royal Ambassador, Winston. The 26-year-old Percheron cross is over 1.7 metres (16.3 hands) tall and will be a key figure in the centennial celebration hosted at Toronto’s Exhibition Place from November 4-13. Winston joins a line of beloved Royal Ambassadors which includes Turbo the Goat, Lil’ Ben the Miniature Horse, and rooster-duo, The Royal Duke and his son The Royal Roy.
“The Royal is an iconic Canadian event that celebrates the very best in local food, agriculture, and equine excellence this country has to offer. And after a two-year hiatus, we’re back bigger and better than ever before as we celebrate our 100th Anniversary,” said Charlie Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “Given the significance of this year’s Fair, we knew we needed a larger-than-life ambassador to embody ‘A Century of Champions’. We’re incredibly proud to have Winston on board – a majestic draft horse who is an icon in this city’s history.”
Donated through a partnership between The Royal and The Toronto Sun, Winston joined the Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit in 1999 and was aptly given the name “Winter Sun” – nicknamed Winston. After 17 years of service, he retired in 2016, making Winston the longest-serving mount of the unit.