Standardbred Canada (SC) is pleased to announce that Ken Middleton and Greg Blanchard will co-host the 36th O’Brien Awards on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga, Ont.
Ken Middleton, who has co-hosted the O'Brien Awards 20 times, will return to the stage for the 36th ceremony. As a respected track announcer and an integral member of the broadcast team at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Middleton’s passion for the sport extends well beyond his professional career. He also owns, breeds and trains horses in his stable. Furthermore, Middleton co-founded the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance with other industry experts. In 2024, the group achieved notable milestones, including launching educational programs to support new and experienced industry participants.
Back to join Middleton for the second consecutive year, Greg Blanchard, Director of Equine Programming at Western Fair District, has co-hosted the O'Brien Awards four times – in 2010, 2015, 2021 and 2024. With over 30 years in the industry, Blanchard has held various roles, including hosting and managing media communications at Woodbine Entertainment, hosting Bet Night Live, a nationally broadcast weekly show on The Score in Canada, and contributing to racing broadcasts on Sportsnet and TSN. He was also part of the Hambletonian broadcast on CBS. Additionally, Blanchard co-hosts COSA TV, a digital platform offering content and live racing broadcasts from Ontario racetracks.
SC checked in with Middleton (KM) and Blanchard (GB) to talk about the upcoming 36th O’Brien Awards ceremony.
What excites you most as the co-host for the 36th O'Brien Awards?
KM: "The whole enchilada. Catching up with people, getting updates on many of the horses we’ll be celebrating, and, most importantly, finding out about this year’s winners."
GB: "The most enjoyable part for me is always connecting with so many industry friends and colleagues in a celebratory setting. And, perhaps, bringing back the ‘late-night tobogganing’ after a hiatus!"
How do you plan to set the tone for the night: inspirational quotes or dance moves?
GB: "Kenny has all the moves, so I’m more likely to start with an inspirational quote."
KM: "Well, I’ve witnessed Mr. Blanchard’s inspirational dance moves, so I guess I’m going to have to start researching those inspirational quotes to hold up my end of the bargain."
If you had to choose a theme song to play every time you walk onto the stage, what would it be?
KM: "R.E.M.'s 'What's the Frequency, Kenneth.'"
GB: "Bobby McFerrin's 'Don’t Worry Be Happy.' Life is short, so enjoy it!"
If you could sum up your style as an MC in three words, what would they be?
GB: "Well, I would say my goal is to be professional, entertaining and informative."
KM: "Keep things moving. It’s an enjoyable night, but it’s a long night. So, doing my part in keeping things moving along at a good pace is important."
Do you have a pre-show ritual, or do you just wing it like a pro?
KM: "A gin and tonic with a lime to take the edge off, followed by a trip to the little boy’s room. Like I said earlier, it’s a long night."
GB: "I like to wing it for the most part, which is easier if you’ve done some preparation beforehand."
Who’s your Super Bowl pick this year?
GB: "I'm rooting for the Buffalo Bills."
KM: "I'm hopeful the Buffalo Bills can finally pull it off."
For event details, click here or contact Jade Regina at [email protected].
(Standardbred Canada)