If fortune favours the bold or brave as per the Latin proverb states, the connections of Chantilly could make harness racing history in 2025.
When Standardbred Canada announced the winners of the 2024 O’Brien Awards, honouring Canada’s best in harness racing over the past season, on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, Chantilly and her team stole all the spotlight. The undefeated daughter of Big Jim - Shiraz Seelster became just the fifth two-year-old — and only the third pacing filly — to be named Canada’s Horse of the Year.
In addition, Chantilly’s breeder and owner, Millar Farms, earned its third Armstrong Breeder of the Year Award, her Nick Gallucci secured his first Trainer of the Year title and her driver James MacDonald collected his fourth consecutive Keith Waples Driver of the Year trophy.
So after a nine-for-nine rookie season, what does Chantilly have in store for an encore? The potential for harness racing history as the first filly to win against the boys in the Pepsi North America Cup.
As Standardbred Canada kicks off its 2024 O'Brien Awards post-event interviews, trainer Nick Gallucci confirmed on Saturday night that Millar and Gallucci will make Chantilly eligible to both the 2025 Pepsi North America Cup and Fan Hanover Stakes.
"George made that decision," said Gallucci. "We're going to pay her in. We're also going to pay her into the Fan Hanover."
Gallucci and SC's Jeff Porchak discuss the horseman's reactions to his award wins, the genesis of his relationship with Millar, recollections of his most memorable moments from 2024 and early thoughts on Chantilly possibly racing in the $1 million classic this coming June. The interview is the first in a series of interviews sponsored by Horse Racing Alberta.
(Standardbred Canada)
This dear young filly was…
This dear young filly was foaled all of 15 minutes from where I live. All the Best on her Future.