Standardbred Canada (SC) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2023 Outstanding Groom Award.

Introduced in 2015, this award recognizes grooms who put their horses first and treat them with kindness and outstanding care, regardless of the horse or its ability, in addition to having a strong work ethic and being a good sportsman.

Submissions were received and considered for grooms from across the country.

Congratulations to the 2023 finalists, Ashley Gamester of Charlottetown, P.E.I. and Andrew Ward of Saint John, N.B.

Born in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Ashley Gamester has proven to be the heartbeat in Jason Hughes’ stable for over a decade. Hughes has earned a finalist nomination for the 2023 O’Brien Award of Horsemanship. Beyond her role as a caretaker, Gamester's unwavering dedication to the stable has seen her pursuing continuing education courses regularly. 

At the core of Gamester's responsibilities is the management of some of the stable's top-performing equine athletes. Among these athletes are Bee Two Bee, Tobins Chester, Acefortyfour Dome, Shesjustmisunderstood and Summer Lovin. Each day, Gamester invests her time and expertise to ensure these horses receive the best care and training possible.

As Charlottetown's Standardbred community applauds Gamester's 10 years of dedication, her story stands as a testament to the passion and commitment that define the world of horse racing. Her ongoing pursuit of knowledge and her adept care of multiple horses continue to make her an unsung hero within the racing community. 

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Born in Saint John, N.B., Andrew Ward, fondly known as "Drew," has been involved in the world of horse racing since his childhood days. Ward started caring for horses at five years old with his dad, James Ward. He then went on to work with Winston (Soupy) Campbell, Jody Hennessey, Ross MacDonald, Hughie Baird and Gilles Barriault before moving to P.E.I. in the summer of 2015 to work with Earl Watts. 

For the past six years, Ward has continued to grow his passion as a caretaker, now dedicating himself to the Tom Weatherbie Stable, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of the horses both on and off the track. Amongst those he’s cared for in 2023 are Island Beach Boy, Fern Hill General, Redland Bethanyjean, Woodmere Heather M, Downtown Tonight, Century Keyanna and Fern Hill Indigo. 

Whether it's a routine work day or a rare moment off, Ward is the first to arrive and the last to leave. As many wrote to Standardbred Canada, Ward stands as a testament to the resilience, dedication and genuine love that define the unsung heroes of the Standardbred racing industry. 

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The 2023 Outstanding Groom Award winner will be announced at the 35th O’Brien Awards Black Tie Gala, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at the Delta by Marriott Prince Edward in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Previous winners of the Outstanding Groom Award include:

• 2022 - Kayla Chappell
• 2021 - Susie McNair
• 2020 - Brady Jackson 
• 2019 - Rachel Dupuis  
• 2018 - Scott Lecain & Trevor Forgie
• 2017 - Chantel Gillis 
• 2016 - Teesha Symes
• 2015 - Cindy Acton

Standardbred Canada was overwhelmed by the many worthy submissions and would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate an outstanding groom.