Tommy Cugle, a veteran groom in the George Teague, Jr. Stable, has been named Groom of the Year in the annual competition sponsored by Harness Tracks of America and Hanover Shoe Farms

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Cugle has groomed such Teague standouts as last year’s Oliver Wendell Holmes and Adios winner Delmarvalous; Delaware Governor’s Cup winner Mr. Wiggles; and Battle of the Brandywine victor and Cane Pace and Little Brown Jug elimination winner Im Gorgeous.

The award, emblematic of the work ethic of grooms everywhere, carries with it a handsome plaque and a David Pavlak oil painting of the winner with his favourite horse.

Trainer Teague says of Cugle, “When I send Tommy on the road, I don’t have to worry about a thing. In fact, there have been a couple of stakes races where I decided to stay at home and watch on simulcast. When Tommy asks, ‘Aren’t you going to come up?’ I tell him, ‘Why should I? You’re there.’ I never have to worry about equipment, warm-up time, not a thing. It’s nice to have a groom you can have so much trust in.”

Racing television host Heather Moffett, who nominated Cugle for the honor, notes that he also is “an amazing singer,” who has sung the national anthem at the Hambletonian. “No matter what he’s doing,” Moffett wrote, “working, singing, or being the go-to guy to put a smile on your face, he does everything with enthusiasm.”

(HTA)