Standardbred Canada (SC) is pleased to welcome back two of the sport’s most engaging and knowledgeable personalities, Natasha Day and John Rallis, as hosts for the Red Carpet Show at the upcoming O’Brien Awards gala, which will take place at the J-AAR Expo Centre at Western Fair District in London, Ont., on Saturday, Jan. 31.

Sponsored by Grand River Raceway, the Red Carpet Show will be streamed live on the SC website and Facebook page starting at 5:30 p.m. (EST).  The show will feature many special guests, including many of this year’s finalists.

Both Day and Rallis blend industry credibility with personality, insight and an unmistakable passion for the sport. Their return ensures that the Red Carpet Show once again sets the tone for a night dedicated to excellence, achievement and the people who make Canadian harness racing thrive.

A respected trainer/driver on the Ontario circuit, Day, a winner of 479 career races and more than $3.2 million as a driver, continues to distinguish herself both on and off the racetrack. In 2024, she captured the Harness The Hope Night Driving Challenge, adding to a résumé that already includes two Ontario Women’s Driving Championship titles — including a victory in the inaugural edition of the event. Known for her international experience, competitive edge and candid, energetic presence, Day brings a horseperson’s perspective that resonates with industry participants and fans alike.

Joining her is Rallis, whose reputation as one of the industry’s most informed and analytical voices has been earned through his work with Standardbred Canada’s TROT Magazine as Associate Editor. Rallis, who is a finalist for a Media Excellence Award in the Outstanding Written Work category, is widely regarded as a go-to resource for understanding both the numbers and the narratives behind the sport’s biggest moments. His ability to bring depth and perspective to achievements makes him a natural fit for a night that celebrates the very best.

Together, Day and Rallis offer a compelling balance of racing experience and analytical depth. As returning Red Carpet hosts, they understand the significance of the evening — and the responsibility of capturing its excitement, emotion and meaning.

In advance of the gala, both hosts shared their thoughts on the O’Brien Awards and what viewers can expect on one of the sport’s biggest nights.

Q&A: O’Brien Awards Red Carpet Hosts

What does it mean to you to be part of the O’Brien Awards, the highest honour in Canadian harness racing?

Day: "Honestly, to be asked yearly to host the red carpet is a huge honour considering there are so many wonderful and colourful personalities in Canadian harness racing. As much as I’d love to win an O’Brien, I am certainly grateful and excited to help introduce the future stars of racing."

Rallis: "It’s a huge honour. I’ve had the privilege of covering these incredible equine athletes all season long and have been fortunate to build some great relationships with so many of the people behind their horses. Being on hand to see everyone recognized that night means a great deal to me, especially because I found so much joy in covering and watching each and every one of these finalists throughout the year."

From your perspective, what makes the O’Brien Awards such a meaningful night for the sport and its participants?

Day: "I think it’s important for the industry to celebrate its highest achievers and to constantly focus on presenting the sport at an elite level — whether it’s Canada’s best racehorses or our top trainers, drivers, grooms and owners who put so much into this industry."

Rallis: "Having been in this industry for a few years now and getting the chance to know horsepeople on a personal level, you can instantly see what this honour means to them. They all work tirelessly and invest an incredible amount of time, care and resources, so to be recognized and crowned on that night is a big deal. It’s a room that truly illustrates hard work and dedication."

How do the O’Brien Awards reflect the story of the past racing season as a whole?

Day: "As a story, it’s great to follow where the two-year-olds come from and how they mature through the racing year. You see which horses make it onto the following year’s O’Brien nominations, which trainers consistently produce great horses year after year, and it’s also exciting to see new faces emerge and watch their stories evolve."

Rallis: "In my honest opinion, they don’t always necessarily tell the entire story. Due to the criteria, at times it seems certain horses or individuals who made a sizable impact didn’t do so on Canadian soil and can be left out of the conversation. That said, this past season gave us some remarkable storylines — highlighted by a rookie pacing colt who delivered one of the best freshman campaigns we’ve seen in a long time, if not ever. Each year brings its own narratives, and Beau Jangles alone has the potential to make next season especially exciting."

As a host, what are you most looking forward to experiencing on the red carpet?

Day: "The atmosphere. Everyone is dressed to the nines. There’s an air of nerves and excitement. It’s loud. It’s buzzing with activity. It really sets the tone for the night."

Rallis: "It’s really about having fun with all of the finalists, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing everyone’s outfits. Horsepeople don’t often get the chance to dress up in something other than barn clothes, which makes the night that much more special."

How would you describe your hosting style for a night that celebrates excellence across the entire industry?

Day: "My hosting style is random. Questions on the fly. You never know what I might ask — whether it’s about you personally or your horses. Be prepared for me to just wing it. Even I don’t know what might come out sometimes."

Rallis: "I’m just going to be myself. Being opinionated and analytical is something I lean into during broadcasts, but on the red carpet it’s all about having fun and celebrating the finalists. At least this time, I don’t have to worry about handing out any bad opinions."

What do you hope those watching from across the country take away from this year’s O’Brien Awards broadcast?

Day: "I hope people across the country see just what excellent horses, trainers, drivers and owners we have here in Canada — and just how hard it is to become the best of the best. And once you’ve made it to the top, we love to celebrate it."

Rallis: "I think it’s extremely cool to see the amount of top-tier talent coming out of our provincial program. Call me biased, but in my opinion, the Ontario Sires Stakes program is the best in North America. The level of talent it has produced — and continues to produce — has been exceptional, and it should only keep getting stronger."

Tickets for the O’Brien Awards are on sale until Monday, Jan. 19.  To purchase tickets complete this form and email it to [email protected].

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)