Trainer Moreau captures a sixth straight O’Brien award after terrific season

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Another year, another O’Brien award for trainer Richard Moreau.

Moreau, of Puslinch, Ont., was named the top trainer for the sixth straight year Saturday night at the O’Brien awards banquet. He garnered the honour after sending 315 winners postward and training horses to more than $4.6 million in earnings, a personal best.

He was the leading trainer in both wins and earnings at Woodbine Racetrack’s final meet and at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Moreau trained O’Brien award winner Jimmy Freight for part of the sophomore season including his victories in the Ontario Sires Stakes and Somebeachsomewhere.

Casie Campbell of Cambridge, Ont., was the finalist but she didn’t go home empty handed. Two of her horses, McWicked and Stag Party, were honoured.

McWicked (12 wins in 19 races, over $1.6 million in earnings) was named older pacing horse of the year and Somebeachsomewhere horse of the year while Stag Party earned two-year-old colt pacer honours.

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Louis-Philippe Roy of Mont-Joli, Que., was named driver of the year. He captured 416 wins with earnings over $7.4 million. He topped the Canadian driver charts for both wins and earnings and was the leading driver in both wins and earnings at Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Seelster Farms of Lucan, Ont., was named top breeder. Seelster-bred horses earned over $3.4 million and its stable included O’Brien finalists Bronx Seelster and Nirvana Seelster.

Chris Lancaster of Airdrie, Alta., was the future star winner. In his first season as a full-time trainer, Lancaster conditioned 29 winners and earned $216,000 while racing primarily at Fraser Downs, Century Downs and Northlands Park.

Trevor Forgie and Scott Lecain were named co-recipients of the outstanding groom award. They were the first to arrive when fire broke out in a barn leased to trainer Mark Steacy near Guelph, Ont., on Dec. 21 and their efforts resulted in 33 of the 38 horses being saved.

Guy Gagnon of Gatineau, Que., received the horsemanship award.

The Canadian Press