O'Sullivan New Mohawk Race Secretary

On Friday (Oct. 8) Woodbine Entertainment announced Tony O’Sullivan has been named the new Race Secretary for Woodbine Standardbred racing.

A name and face familiar to Canadian harness racing, O’Sullivan will be transitioning to the race office in the next several weeks after spending more than two decades as a trainer.

A native of New Zealand, O’Sullivan landed in Canada in 1999 while working as an assistant trainer. The move would turn permanent in the years to come, as O’Sullivan ultimately branched out to create his own successful stable, training the winners of prestigious events such as the Breeders Crown (Susies Magic, 2006) and Metro Pace (Beyond Delight, 2016). He was a finalist for Canada's Trainer of the Year in 2011.

O’Sullivan has campaigned the winners of 1,190 races and $30.2 million during his career.

“We’re excited to welcome Tony to our team at Woodbine,” said Jessica Buckley, Senior Vice-President of Standardbred and Thoroughbred Racing. “Tony is an accomplished trainer that brings with him a wealth of racing knowledge and management skills that will allow him to be successful in this new role.”

Earlier this year, long-time Race Secretary Scott McKelvie announced he will be retiring at the end of March 2022 after more than 40 years with Woodbine Entertainment.

“We greatly appreciate the devotion and expertise Scott has brought to our sport throughout his career,” said Buckley. “The coming months will be of great benefit to our entire racing team as Tony will have the opportunity to work with Scott and learn from him during this transition period.”

(with files from Woodbine)