Raceway Regulars Nominated for ‘Future Star’ Award
We caught up with four Raceway regulars, this past week, to have them comment on their successful 2025 racing seasons and what it would mean, for them, to be a finalist for the Future Star Award.
The O’Brien Awards/Cam Fella Nominating Committee at Standardbred Canada determines the five candidates for the Future Star Award and the 2025 candidates are listed below.
Future Star Award
Landon Campbell
Mark Macdonell
Damian Maclellan
Mary Ratchford
Jacob Roberts
The three finalists, for this Award, will be announced this Friday, Dec. 19 on Standardbred Canada.
Damian MacLellan (Jake MacDonald Photo)
Driver Damian MacLellan “I had a really good year and had some great opportunities with some great trainers. I was fortunate, enough, to be trusted with some very nice horses to drive all season. It would be a real honour to become an O’Brien Award finalist and to possibly share the stage with many of the great horses and people that our nation has cheered for this past year. All five of the Future Star nominees have had an incredible year and they all deserve to be recognized. Regardless of the outcome, I would personally like to thank the owners and trainers for providing me the opportunity and support this season and throughout my career thus far.”
Mary Ratchford (James Woods Photo)
Trainer Mary Ratchford “It is very exciting to be nominated and definitely an honour to be recognized. To be nominated for the award that (my brother) Todd won last year, makes it even more special. This year I have learned a lot and have realized some of the best memories and achievements. Competing at the highest level in the OSS program, against the best, was a great experience. I’ve gained a lot of opportunities this year and am very thankful for each and every one of my horses and owners. The success this year wouldn’t have happened without an amazing family/team. My parents, Todd, Jim Wellwood, and of course our blacksmith, vets, and drivers. I’m very thankful and proud of this past season, and even more excited for what is to come next year!”
Mark MacDonell (James Woods Photo)
Driver Mark MacDonell “I’ve really appreciated the support all year! This past racing season - I’d like to think - has been awesome for me... I feel I took a bigger step forward and will continue to follow my dream. We started off with just basically driving my own and didn’t quite have the best of power, but as the summer came around and I started going to Sarnia, Dresden and Leamington - it really gave me the opportunity to get behind the gate more and with different horses. It’s now snowballed into driving regularly in London and Flamboro, plus I even picked up my first Mohawk drive - where I may not have had the best result, but just to do that and think of all the times I was back home, watching and wanting to race at the big track - again it’s all about following my dream. Looking back, on the season, I can really smile and say I’m just doing what I love. Being an O’Brien Award finalist would be a tremendous honour. Lots of great horsemen and women, in the past, have won Canada’s prestigious titles in harness racing. Just to be in the conversation, itself, is incredible. Thanks to everyone who voted and best of luck to all the nominees!”
Jake Roberts and family (Jake Roberts Facebook)
Trainer Jake Roberts “This year has been a huge success with my horses - as well as the birth of my daughter. With that being said - it takes a village to race horses day in and day out. I would like to thank all the people who have helped and mentored me along the way. Being an O’Brien Award finalist would mean the world to me. I’m honored to be a part of this category - alongside everyone else who’s having outstanding seasons. Knowing that the long days and all the hard work is really starting to show and pay off - certainly means a lot to me.”
Best of luck to all the nominees from your friends at The Raceway!