Standardbred Canada (SC) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 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.
Nominations were received from across the country and a voting committee selected the following three finalists:
- Nancy Gredig of St. Thomas, Ont.
- Joe Tulino of Guelph, Ont.
- Emily Veinot of Guelph, Ont.
The three finalists will be honoured and the winner will be announced during the 2025 O’Brien Awards Black Tie Gala, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the J-AAR Expo Centre at Western Fair District in London, Ont.
Nancy Gredig, from St. Thomas, Ont., has dedicated 40 years to the Standardbred industry. Working with trainer John Pentland at Dorchester Downs, the veteran caretaker cares for horses such as Sorcha Seelster, Swift Talker, Dirty Diana, Talbot Kristen and Mist Amber. Known for her kindness, compassion and team-player attitude, Gredig pays meticulous attention to every detail concerning her horses. Recently, during a stressful outbreak at the barn, she brought invaluable knowledge, researching solutions, identifying symptoms and collaborating on treatments and protocols. She adopted retired Standardbreds Even Now and Mist Amber, providing them homes on her own farm. She doesn't adhere to a clock, often being the last to leave while assisting with blacksmiths or vets, and her nominator views her not just as a groom but as a true partner essential to the stable's success.
Joe Tulino, from Guelph, Ont., has been involved in the industry for nine years and currently works for trainer Dr. Ian Moore. During the past two years, Tulino has cared for Prince Hal Hanover, Clever Cody and Stockade Seelster, to name a few. Tulino is trustworthy, responsible and totally dedicated to his job, positively impacting the entire stable. He handles unruly types with ease, remains front and center in all tasks and is self-motivated with no need for direction. Tulino's nominator explains that he stands out because he is the “go-to” guy for road trips for the stable and accompanied sophomore pacing colt Prince Hal Hanover to his stakes engagements the entire summer. Tulino's diligence in managing responsibilities often handled by the trainer — such as paying starting fees, coordinating travel to and from racetracks and ensuring retention times are met — allows Moore peace of mind when he is unable to attend away races. In Moore’s absence, Tulino effectively steps into that role. Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of every facet of the industry, making him an exceptional and invaluable groom.
Emily Veinot, from Guelph, Ont., has 10 years of experience in the harness racing industry while working for trainer David Menary. She manages to balance full-time grooming with her studies in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph. Horses under her care include Parkavenuejanet, Dragononthebeach, Blue Pacific, Talk Curdy To Me, Whoa Black Betty, Chic Choc Rose, Shes Gone, In The Spotlight N and Its Saturday Night. Veinot treats every horse like a champion heading into a big race, and her genuine affection for the horses is evident in everything she does. She even delayed her Christmas trip home to Ottawa last year to stay with her favourite filly, Parkavenuejanet, a longshot in the Niagara Series final on Boxing Day, which was unfortunately postponed due to inclement weather. Always willing to help, Veinot inspires those around her through her kindness and dedication. Her commitment knows no bounds — available day and night, she never watches the clock. Her nominator, who has trained horses for 25 years, believes she may love horses more than anyone, or anything.
Standardbred Canada and sponsor Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation thank everyone who submitted nominations for the 2025 Outstanding Groom Award.
Previous winners of the Outstanding Groom Award are listed below.
- 2024 - Mike Rivet
- 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 Press Release)