Standardbred Canada (SC) reminds members and associations that nominations for the 2026 O’Brien Award of Horsemanship close at 5 p.m. (ET) on Nov. 26, 2026.
The award recognizes a Canadian-based trainer who exemplifies the horsemanship and professionalism demonstrated by Joe O’Brien, with an emphasis on outstanding care, respect for the horse, equine welfare and the development of young horses.
Criteria:
The O’Brien Award of Horsemanship recognizes a trainer who exemplifies the high standard of horsemanship that was demonstrated by Joe O’Brien during his career, including the outstanding care and training of Standardbreds, respect for the horse, a commitment to equine welfare and the successful development and training of young horses.
Canadian-based horsepeople will be evaluated on criteria focused on the development and performance of young horses within their care, for the given year. While the award will be open to both large and small operations, the focus of this award is on the hands-on horseperson who is able to achieve success within their racing jurisdiction, and possibly beyond.
Criteria for evaluation include integrity, professionalism and a commitment to putting the welfare of horses first. Other measures for evaluation include performance ratings, stakes wins as a percentage of overall starts and race lines that indicate the development and maturity of the horse.
The O’Brien Awards Nominating Committee will review all submissions, along with other candidates that meet the criteria, to select the three candidates to be on the ballot for the O’Brien Award of Horsemanship.
To nominate a horseperson, please complete the nomination form by 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 26, 2026. The form is available below to submit electronically. Click here for a PDF version of the submission form.
The award will be presented at the 38th O’Brien Awards Gala on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale in Mississauga, Ont.