PUSLINCH – Richard Moreau has captured his 10th consecutive Trainer of the Year O’Brien Award.
Standardbred Canada annually presents the O’Brien Awards, which honour the best in harness racing.
Moreau topped the charts with 330 wins and more than $5.2 million in earnings in 2022, surpassing his own stats of 236 wins and $3.7 million in earnings in 2021.
He was the leading trainer last year at Flamboro Downs, Georgian Downs and Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Two of the horses he trained won O’Brien Awards too – Gaines Hanover and Fasion Frenzie.
Trainer of the Year – Gaines Hanover, who won the 2022 Breeders Crown final for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings at Woodbine Mohawk Park in October. Gaines Hanover won the O’Brien Award as Canada’s two-year-old Colt Trotter of the Year.
Photo by Clive Cohen / New Image Media
Standardbred Canada announced the winners during a Black Tie Gala on Feb. 4.
“The first time I did not win,” Moreau said with a laugh, reflecting on the O’Brien Awards 11 years ago.
“But after that I was lucky enough.”
He has no expectations that his run with the award will continue, noting “now that I’ve reached 10 I don’t want to be greedy.”
Moreau has been involved in harness racing for almost 30 years. About 12 years ago he moved to Puslinch from Montreal to follow his passion.
When he first started racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park he was “scared it would be too tough – but dreams really do come true.”
Moreau has a 45-acre farm in Puslinch with over 50 standardbred racehorses, two barns, and between 12 and 15 staff, for whom he expressed sincere appreciation.
“I’m learning to delegate – that’s my new skill,” Moreau said, noting he works long hours seven days a week.
“Some days I have 60 phone calls and 30 text messages from owners and everyone,” Moreau said. “Not every day, but often.”
Winning a 10th Trainer of the Year O’Brien Award was a goal of Moreau’s and now that he’s achieved it, his next goals are to “upgrade and slow down.
“I’m not trying to make anything happen,” he said. “I’m just happy to be here.”
Though it may not yet be on the horizon, Moreau’s ultimate dream is of retirement with an ocean view.
