Fresh off his best statistical season in a decade, Carl Jamieson finds himself in familiar territory, as he’s a finalist for the O’Brien Award of Horsemanship for the fourth time in his career. From 132 starts, horses trained by the Puslinch, Ont. resident found the winner’s circle 20 times in 2024, while totalling $772,747 in purses. If last season was any indication, Jamieson should be on the cusp of another promising campaign in 2025.
“I’ve been a winner of this award [horsemanship] once, and a finalist for it twice,” shared Jamieson. “Whether you win it or not, being a finalist is a huge honour and something I’m definitely grateful about.”
When highlighting his seasonal success, it’s hard not to focus on the year that his sophomore trotting colt, Paquet, enjoyed in 2024. Unraced at two, the son of Muscle Mass finds himself as an O’Brien Award finalist in his respective division by virtue of a strong three-year-old season — an incredible feat, especially given some hiccups he had to overcome.
“It’s been talked about before, but he had a suspensory tear after his maiden-breaking win,” stated the trainer. “We really weren’t sure how he was going to come back, but from his qualifiers, to his [Ontario Sires Stakes] Gold win at Grand River Raceway, he proved he was ready to compete and he showed it with the way he raced the remainder of the season.
“For me, I’m just proud of how we managed him throughout the year, despite the physical hurdles he had to sort through,” continued Jamieson. “There’s plenty more to look forward to as a four-year-old as well.”
Paquet ended the season with a victory in the $300,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final, despite being quoted as being “ignorant and rude,” courtesy of his driver and co-owner, Jody Jamieson. His conditioner is looking forward to the year ahead, in what he hopes can be a smooth transition into his aged career.
“Yeah, he was getting a little rank behind the gate that night,” recalled Carl with a chuckle. “He got the job done and that's all that matters.
“He’s proven despite limited starts that he’s ready to compete against some of the best in the division and we’ll give him that opportunity next season. We’ll be starting him up next month and we believe he’s good enough to make him eligible for some big races.”
In addition to his craftsmanship with Paquet, Jamieson's two-year-olds also showed up and showed off, including plenty of memorable moments. The Hall of Famer also took pride in those accomplishments.
“We started off with seven babies and we ended up qualifying six,” noted Jamieson. “The majority of them found success at the races and it gives us even more to look forward to [this] year other than the big trotter.”
Notable freshmen included Fifth And Five ($171,175) and TH Kay C Crunch ($89,402), a pair of stakes-winning pacing colts Jamieson also co-owns. When it came to their rookie campaigns, especially given their early impressions, these performers were pleasant surprises.
“Both of those colts were nice training down, but we really didn’t expect them to do anything substantial [at the races],” admitted Jamieson. “So for Fifth And Five to make over $170,000 and win a [OSS] Gold, while TH Kay C Crunch won a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes event at The Meadows, while finishing second once in [1]:50.2… I’d say that’s a big win.”
It would be another big win for Jamieson should he emerge over fellow finalist Guy Gagnon for the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship and take home those honours for the second time. Regardless of whether his name is called, he’s looking forward to what he always says is a great night.
“It’s a fun night,” he exclaimed. “Everybody gets all dressed up in their tuxedos and gets to enjoy a nice meal, some drinks, and celebrate their accomplishments for the year that was. What’s not to enjoy about that?”
The 2024 O’Brien Award winners will be announced this Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the O’Brien Awards Gala, taking place at the Delta Meadowvale / Mississauga in Mississauga, Ont.
(Standardbred Canada; photos courtesy New Image Media)