Standardbred Canada is pleased to announce that Greg Blanchard and Mark McKelvie will co-host the 37th O’Brien Awards Black-Tie Gala on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the J-AAR Expo Centre at Western Fair District in London, Ont.
Both Blanchard and McKelvie come with their own unique resumes but are well-known for their experience, expertise and professionalism -- and they form a proven, dynamic partnership. The duo have previously teamed up to co-host PrimeTime Racing and COSA TV broadcasts together, and promise to bring camaraderie, insight and entertainment to the evening.
Blanchard, Director of Equine Programming at Western Fair District, returns to the MC role, having co-hosted the O’Brien Awards on four occasions previously (2010, 2015, 2021 and 2024). With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Blanchard has held various roles, such as hosting and managing media communications at Woodbine Entertainment, hosting Bet Night Live on The Score, and contributing to racing broadcasts on Sportsnet and TSN. In 2025, he was part of the special 100th Hambletonian broadcast on CBS.
McKelvie, Senior Manager of Communications for Woodbine Entertainment, makes his MC debut at the O’Brien Awards Gala after serving as Red Carpet host at last year’s event. McKelvie, who co-hosts PrimeTime Racing alongside Blanchard, also hosts Ignite World Racing on Sportsnet, is the play-by-play commentator for the Owen Sound Attack, and reads pedigrees for the Keeneland and London Select sales. Known for his engaging presence and energy, McKelvie brings an energizing perspective to the stage.
Leading up to the gala, both hosts shared their thoughts on last year’s harness racing season and the upcoming O’Brien Awards celebration with Standardbred Canada.
Q&A: 37th O’Brien Awards Co-Hosts
Both of you have extensive hosting experience but before we get to the present, let’s reflect on the year we are about to commemorate. What was your favourite memory from harness racing in 2025?
Blanchard: "The Camluck Classic. Ervin Hanover jumping over a cone at the wire to try to get by stablemate Brue Hanover – entertaining and high drama."
McKelvie: "My favourite moment of 2025 was the incredible race that was the North America Cup. Action-packed is an understatement. The stretch battle was epic. We’ll remember Louprint’s victory for a very long time."
Which broadcast did you enjoy hosting the most in 2025?
Blanchard: "The Hambletonian on CBS – the 100th anniversary of the sport’s biggest race on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in early August."
McKelvie: "The Breeders Crown. It’s always a blast when the Breeders Crown comes back to Mohawk and last year’s event didn’t disappoint. The racing was terrific and had so many memorable moments. Our broadcasts just flew by both nights, and it was fun to add Hall of Fame drivers Chris Christoforou and Paul MacDonell as analysts for our shows.
Let’s come back to the present with a check-in. How are you? What’s new?
Blanchard: "I guess maybe not everybody knows. I had a bit of a health issue back in early August. It was a serious vertigo attack that kind of knocked me out for a couple of weeks. Luckily, we were able to find out what it was and I slowly but surely got back to being myself. I was able to get back to work fairly quickly and got through a busy stretch. Now looking forward to the O’Brien Awards."
McKelvie: "I’m doing great. I’ve been lucky to do some travelling already this winter. Spent the first few weeks of December in Australia, touring all over from Cairns to Airlie Beach to Surfers Paradise to Sydney and places in between. I did get to see racing at Club Menangle and received incredible hospitality from their entire team. Wonderful people. Most recently, I just got back from Mexico with a big group of friends and I am excited to host the O’Brien Awards. It’s been a great winter so far!"
What is your 37th O’Brien Awards walk-up song?
Blanchard: "I think my Canadian pride is at an all-time high right now and it’s our national awards banquet, I’m going to say 'Canadian Summer' by Dean Brody."
McKelvie: "My all-time favourite, 'Higher Love' by Kygo and Whitney Houston."
What is typically your favourite part of the O’Brien Awards Gala?
Blanchard: "I think overall the thing I take away every year is that it's a chance to see everybody, participants from the industry, colleagues from across Canada."
McKelvie: "The energy just before the awards get underway. Everyone is there to celebrate and the vibes are high."
What is one thing you would change about the O’Brien Awards?
Blanchard: "I don’t want to get in trouble for saying this, but shortening the program."
McKelvie: "I’m dreaming here, but an O’Brien Awards somewhere tropical. Goodbye snow!"
Let’s see how well you know your co-host. Please supply your own answer to each of the following questions and guess your co-host’s answers.
Favourite NFL team?
Blanchard: "Me, Buffalo Bills. Mark, New England Patriots."
McKelvie: "Both, Buffalo Bills."
Favourite annual harness race?
Blanchard: "Me, Gold Cup & Saucer. Mark, N.A. Cup."
McKelvie: "Me, N.A. Cup. Greg, Gold Cup & Saucer."
Favourite genre of movie?
Blanchard: "Me, Drama/Horror. Mark, Musicals."
McKelvie: "Me, Comedy. Greg, Horror."
Please complete this O’Brien Awards x Super Bowl parlay: Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year, Super Bowl Winner, O’Brien Awards Gala Prediction.
Blanchard:
Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year – "Beau Jangles"
Super Bowl Winner – "New England Patriots"
O’Brien Awards Gala Prediction – "We will see Mark McKelvie’s patented high-leg kick at some point!"
McKelvie:
Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year – "Beau Jangles"
Super Bowl Winner – "Los Angeles Rams"
O’Brien Awards Gala Prediction – "We get a mic drop moment from one of the winners!"
The Red Carpet Show, hosted by Natasha Day and John Rallis, will go live at 5:30 p.m. (EST) on the Standardbred Canada website and Facebook page. The live stream for the O’Brien Awards will be available for viewing starting at 9 p.m. (EST) on standardbredcanada.ca.
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)