London’s Leading Trainer Nominated For O’Brien Award of Horsemanship
Veteran pacer Mr Mach Jimmy, with Jeff Mayhew up, has been racing for the Lindsey Kerr Stable since 2019. (Norm Files Photo)
The O’Brien Awards/Cam Fella Nominating Committee at Standardbred Canada determines the five candidates for the O’Brien Award of Horsemanship. The 2025 candidates are listed below.
O’Brien Award of Horsemanship
Kevin Benn
Jamie Gray
Lindsey Kerr
Carl Jamieson
Dr. Ian Moore
The three finalists in this ‘Horsemanship’ category will be announced on Friday, Dec. 19.
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Trainer Lindsey Kerr, at the head, with sister Ashley - following a summertime victory. (Ryan Clements Photo)
Lindsey Kerr, our current leading trainer in London for the 2025 season, has been enjoying her career-best year, of training, which began back in 2010 at Windsor Raceway.
“I have been trying, for many years, to be on top (of the trainer standings) at Western Fair and with my horses missing most of this past month, due to sickness, I think it’s amazing that we may finally finish on top. I am so proud of our team – they’re the best!”
Kerr has 60 wins and over $370,000 earned this year in London and with 7 more race dates left on this 2025 meet, at The Raceway, her training win tally is 11 more than Francis Guillemette and 13 more than Gerard Demers.
“These upcoming awards – both the O’Brien Awards and The Raceway’s Annual Awards Banquet – are helping me keep my sanity right now,” she said chuckling. “Our year of racing, like most, has definitely had its ups and downs. Thankfully, with great owners, staff, drivers, vets, blacksmiths and horses – it appears we’ve got a good shot at winning the training title, this year, in London.”
Kerr’s strong numbers come from racing talented horses like Prestige Seelster – a winner of almost $50,000 in London this season, State Of Play – a known grit-grinder that is always in the hunt, Letjimitakeover – a 9-time winner at the $20,000 claiming level in London for 2025 and Earlybird Special – one of Kerr’s most consistent performers with a 35 for 41 record in top 3 finishes this season.
“The horses, in our barn this year, have all done great,” she says. “We really do have a barn full of nice horses who love their work and that has been a key part to our success. These horses – they are why I love my job so much… Each one has such a unique personality and I thank them all every day.”
So let’s hear about that O’Brien Award of Horsemanship nomination…
“When I found out about the O’Brien Award nomination I was in the paddock at Western Fair and Greg Blanchard congratulated me on it,” she said. “I had no idea what he was talking about, so I walked over to my race stall, clicked online and just began to bawl right then and there. People may have thought I was nuts, at the time, but the first thing I thought of - was how proud my Dad would be. My Dad always taught me to be humble, to help others whenever I can, to keep my horses healthy and not to worry about what others might say and I owe all of my success to him.”
Lindsey is the daughter of the late well-known horseman Randy Kerr who passed away, from cancer, back in 2007 at the age of 51.
Lindsey sporting her Dad’s colours while competing in Racing Under Saddle back in 2013. (WFD Photo)
“It was both a huge shock and a huge honour to be named among the group nominated for this O’Brien Award of Horsemanship. I am forever grateful – this is just amazing... I don’t even have the words to be honest and that’s a little odd for me… I do appreciate all the encouragement and support at this time and thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.”
Best of luck Lindsey from your friends at The Raceway!