Standardbred Canada (SC) has announced that nominations are now open for the 2025 Outstanding Groom Award, sponsored by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
This year marks the ninth of this valued partnership, which debuted at the 2015 O’Brien Awards gala, and puts the spotlight on the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of our industry — the grooms.
Nominations can be emailed to Jessica Street at [email protected]. The deadline to nominate an Outstanding Groom is Dec. 31, 2025. For a nomination form, click here.
Grooms are the heartbeat of every stable: putting in long hours, and prioritizing the well-being and health of their horses above all else, offering exemplary care to every horse, regardless of its abilities.
Nominees for the Outstanding Groom Award must be over the age of 19 and have five years of experience in the racing industry.
Do you know a groom who shows unwavering dedication every single day? Someone meticulous in their care, positive in the barn even under pressure, and so reliable that their trainer never has to think twice? If so, now is the time to nominate them.
A selection committee will review the submissions and three finalists will be announced on Jan. 9, 2026. The winner will be announced at the 37th O’Brien Awards Gala on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 at the J-AAR Expo Centre at Western Fair District. Join us in honouring caretaking excellence — submit your nomination today for an Outstanding Groom you feel deserves this recognition.
Previous winners of the Outstanding Groom Award include:
- 2024 - Mike Rivet
- 2023 - Andrew Ward
- 2022 - Kayla Chappell
- 2021 - Susie McNair
- 2020 - Brady Jackson
- 2019 - Rachel Dupuis
- 2018 - Scott Lecain & Trevor Forgie
- 2017 - Chantel Gillis
- 2016 - Teesha Symes
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)