Standardbred Canada will present the 30th edition of the O’Brien Awards on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Hilton Mississauga / Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga, Ontario.
The inaugural edition of the O’Brien Awards was presented by the Canadian Trotting Association on January 20, 1990, at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel.
Named for Hall of Fame Horseman, Joe O’Brien, it is important to remind current and future generations of O’Brien and what he meant to harness racing. According to the late great sports columnist Jim Proudfoot, “Joe O’Brien was everything that’s good in racing, all wrapped up in one lovely parcel.”
During the past 30 years, The O’Brien Awards have experienced many changes that have transformed it into one of harness racing’s must attend events on the calendar. It’s gone from business attire to a Black Tie Gala, SC’s Board of Directors has established specific eligibility criteria to protect the integrity of the awards, the event is now video streamed online. Last year the Horse of the Year Award was named the Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year Award and a very popular Red Carpet feature that was broadcast on Facebook Live was added. The location has changed a handful of times, including an out of province venue for the 25th anniversary edition in PEI. Award categories have been removed and some added to reflect changes in the industry. Amidst all of this, the O’Brien Trophy and the significance of it has not changed.
The iconic bronze bust of Joe O’Brien has stood the test of time, and is one of the most coveted trophies in harness racing. Another class of champions will be the recipients of the bronzes on February 2. In addition to honouring the 2018 champion horses and horse people, the event will also celebrate O’Brien Award winners from the previous 29 years.
O’Brien ballots will be sent out to the voters on December 4 and the finalists will be announced on Tuesday, December 18.
Eighteen O'Brien bronzes will be awarded for the 2018 racing season. Thirteen of these honour the premier horses over the past racing season including the most coveted trophy, the Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year. The horse awards are divided by age, sex and gait. In addition there are five awards for people, one each for Driver of the Year, Trainer of the Year, Future Star Award, Armstrong Bros. Farm Breeder of the Year and the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship.
Tickets and program ads will go on sale on December 10 and you can order by contacting SC’s Member and Stakeholder Relations Department at 905-858-3060 x 207 or x 243.
For additional information on the O’Brien Awards, click here.