Standardbred Canada is now accepting submissions for the 2020 Outstanding Groom Award.

Do you know a groom / caretaker who puts their horses first and treats their horses with kindness and outstanding care, regardless of the horse or its ability? The candidate should have a strong work ethic, be dependable, and a good sportsman. If you know or work with someone with these qualities, please consider nominating him / her for Standardbred Canada’s Outstanding Groom Award.

The deadline for submissions is January 7, 2021 (5:00 p.m. EST) and nomination forms are available here.

Grooms are the foundation of the racing industry and are critical to the success of any horse in any stable. Their relationship with the horse is by far the closest. Grooms provide the daily care and attention to the equine athletes, keeping them physically healthy and mentally happy, and sometimes work seven days a week to make sure their horses are properly cared for.

Tina MacMillan, Acting Vice President, Horse Racing for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (left) makes the presentation to Rachel Dupuis, winner of the 2019 Outstanding Groom Award

This marks the sixth year for the Award and past winners include: Cindy Acton (2015), Teesha Symes (2016), Chantel Gillis (2017), co-winners Scott Lecain and Trevor Forgie (2018), and Rachel Dupuis (2019).

A selection committee will review the submissions and two finalists will be announced on January 14, 2021. The winner will be announced during the O’Brien Awards Virtual Gala on Sunday, January 31, 2021.

Please email your submissions to Kathy Wade Vlaar at [email protected]