Standardbred Canada Accepting Outstanding Groom Nominations

2024 O'Brien Award for Outstanding Groom

Standardbred Canada (SC) is pleased to announce that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) will continue its partnership with SC on the Outstanding Groom Award for the 2024 O’Brien Awards.

This marks the eight-year partnership for this award, which was first presented at the 2015 O’Brien Awards Gala.

SC is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Outstanding Groom Award. Click here for a nomination form. Submissions can be emailed to Jade Regina at [email protected]. The deadline to nominate an Outstanding Groom is Jan. 8, 2025.

Do you know a groom who has dedicated more than five years to the industry? This individual prioritizes the well-being and health of their horses above all else, offering unwavering kindness and exemplary care to every horse, irrespective of its abilities. SC is seeking someone with a commendable work ethic, reliability and good sportsmanship who is based in Canada. Candidates must be over the age of 19 years old. If you know someone who exemplifies these qualities, SC encourages you to nominate them for the Outstanding Groom Award.

Grooms, often the unsung heroes of harness racing, are critical to the success of any horse in any stable. Their bond with the horses is unparalleled. Day in and day out, these grooms ensure the mental and physical well-being of the equine athletes, often labouring seven days a week to ensure their horses are properly cared for. 

Previous winners of the Outstanding Groom Award include:

  • 2023 - Andrew Ward
  • 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

A selection committee will review the submissions and two finalists will be announced on Jan. 15, 2025. The presentation to the winner will be made at the 36th O’Brien Awards on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale in Mississauga, Ont. 

(Standardbred Canada)

Have something to say about this? Log in or create an account to post a comment.