Two locals nominated for O"™Brien Awards

On Dec. 20, Standardbred Canada announced finalists for the 2016 O’Brien Awards, which honour Canada’s best in harness racing.

The winners will be announced at the annual O’Brien Awards Black Tie Gala on Jan. 28 at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga.

This will be the 28th edition of the O’Brien Awards, named in honour of the late Joe O’Brien, a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

In the driver of the year category, Bob McClure of Elora, receives his first O’Brien Award nomination and is en route to a career-best year.

McClure leads all Canadian drivers in the wins column with 561 victories and has driven horses to more than $2.9 million in earnings.   McClure is the leading reinsman at Flamboro Downs, sits in second at The Raceway at the Western Fair District, and won the dash winning titles at Georgian Downs and Grand River Raceway.

Richard Moreau, of Puslinch,  is the defending Trainer of the Year and is looking to take home his fourth consecutive O’Brien bronze.

Moreau, leads all Canadian trainers in the wins column with 249 wins to his credit and has trained the winners of nearly $4.0 million.