Outstanding Groom Award Finalists Announced
Standardbred Canada (SC) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2024 Outstanding Groom Award.
Established 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 demonstrating a strong work ethic and good sportsmanship.
Submissions were received and considered from across the country. Congratulations to the 2024 finalists: Mike Rivet of Dundas, Ont., and Natasha Steacy of Millgrove, Ont.
The two finalists will be honoured and the winner will be announced during the 2024 O’Brien Awards Black Tie Gala, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale in Mississauga, Ont.
Mike Rivet, born in Montreal, Que., developed a passion for horse racing early in life. His father, a taxi driver with a love for the racetrack, inspired him. By age 11, Rivet had formed a strong connection to horses, spending summers immersed in learning the trade. By 16, he was balancing mornings working with horses and evenings at a restaurant.
When racing ended in Montreal, Rivet relocated to Ontario. He has worked for Dustin Jones and Ashley Lendvoy, and is currently working for the Blake MacIntosh Stable, where he is responsible for the daily care of up to eight horses. Rivet is known for managing challenging horses and his willingness to lend a hand whenever needed, whether fixing a shoe or trailering horses to the racetrack. During 2024, Rivet cared for O’Brien Award finalist Monalishi, as well as Medley Seelster and Go Ahead Makemyday, both of whom earned more than $150,000 during their two-year-old campaigns.
Rivet’s commitment to horse racing is unwavering, and his passion shines through in his work. As he says, “I’ve loved it all my life.”
Natasha Steacy, a third-generation horsewoman from Sudbury, Ont., has been immersed in the harness racing scene since she was just 19 months old. At Steacy Stable, she plays a crucial role in the care and well-being of the horses, both on and off the track. Among the many horses under her care, the 2023 Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year, Sylvia Hanover, holds a special place in her heart.
For Steacy, the most fulfilling part of her work is witnessing the horses' progress under her guidance. "All the hard work you put into them every day pays off and makes everything worthwhile," she says.
Steacy’s nominator shared that she truly wears her heart on her sleeve, bringing inspiration and joy to both the horses and the humans around her.
Standardbred Canada and sponsor Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation thank everyone who submitted nominations for the 2024 Outstanding Groom Award.
Previous winners of the Outstanding Groom Award are listed below.
- 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
(Standardbred Canada)