Breaking: Ladies From Hell and The Great Reset Dominate as The Raceway in London, Ont, Announces 2025 Award Winners; Austin Sorrie and Lindsey Kerr Lead Drivers and Trainers, with Caretaker of the Year Nominations Now Open
Harness Racing Champions Crowned at The Raceway: Ladies From Hell and The Great Reset Reign Supreme
locally dominant horses and horse people feted at annual Awards Night in London, Ont.
The Raceway at Western Fair District celebrated another outstanding season of harness racing with its 2025 awards ceremony, held in the Top of the Fair dining room. Horse lovers and industry professionals gathered to honor the top performers, including standout horses, trainers, and drivers who left their mark on the 2025 campaign.
Ladies From Hell and The Great Reset: Consistently Stellar
Two repeat winners dominated the aged horse categories. Ladies From Hell, owned by Shae and Michael Sumner of London, maintained her status as the track’s top older pacing mare with an impressive 10 wins and over $67,000 in earnings in 2025. The 8-year-old mare’s success story is a testament to her consistent performance and the dedication of her owners and connections.
Meanwhile, The Great Reset, owned by Lorne House of Dutton, Ont., and Chantal Ruijs of Georgian Bluffs, Ont., continued to reign as the track’s top older male trotter. With 18 top-three finishes and just over $46,000 in earnings from 31 starts, the 7-year-old gelding demonstrated his durability and competitive spirit.
Austin Sorrie and Lindsey Kerr: Rising Stars of Harness Racing
On the driving and training fronts, two young stars ascended to the top of their respective categories:
- Austin Sorrie, a 26-year-old driver from London, led the nation with 404 wins and amassed over $2.7 million in purse winnings. He secured his first driving title at The Raceway with 155 wins at the London oval. Sorrie’s meteoric rise in the sport is a story of skill, determination, and a deep understanding of the horses he drives.
- Lindsey Kerr, a 31-year-old trainer from Rama First Nation, Ont., enjoyed a career-best season with 83 wins, almost $550,000 in purse winnings, and a sparkling UTRS (Universal Trainer Rating System) of .373. She earned her first training title at the London oval with 60 local wins. Kerr’s impressive season showcases her talent and commitment to the craft of training standardbred horses.
Caretaker of the Year: Nominations Open
Nominations are now being accepted for the Caretaker of the Year award. To nominate a caretaker who has made a significant impact at The Raceway, email your submission with an explanation of why the nominee should be awarded to Amy O’Toole, Manager of Equine Programming at [email protected]. Text messages and online messages will not be accepted. Those interested in being an award sponsor for the evening can also contact The Raceway at the same email address.
The Caretaker of the Year award recognizes individuals who have worked in a caretaker capacity for at least three years and raced primarily at The Raceway. A voting committee will select the winner, based on nominations, and announce it alongside other categories, such as Horse of the Year, at the awards ceremony.
Complete 2025 Award Winners
The Raceway announced the following award winners ahead of the event. Notable categories and winners include:
- Three-Year-Old Trotting Colt: Cleveland Royalty
- Three-Year-Old Trotting Filly: Royal Flush Magic
- Aged Trotting Horse: The Great Reset
- Aged Trotting Mare: April Duford
- Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt: Silverwalls
- Three-Year-Old Pacing Filly: Twin B Bodacious
- Aged Pacing Horse: Prestige Seelster
- Aged Pacing Mare: Ladies From Hell
- Claiming Trotter: O Narutac Perfetto
- Claiming Pacer: Letjimitakeover
- Rookie Performer: Liquor Talkin
Additional details and ticket information for the celebration of racing excellence at The Raceway will be announced soon.
Did you know?
Harness racing, the second most popular spectator sport in Canada, generates billions of dollars in economic activity annually and supports thousands of jobs across the country.
Pro Tip: Looking to get involved in harness racing? Consider volunteering at your local track to gain insight into the sport and meet industry professionals.
FAQ
Q: How can I nominate someone for the Caretaker of the Year award?
A: Email [email protected] with your nomination and a detailed explanation of why the nominee should be awarded.
Q: Can I nominate someone by text message or online message?
A: No, only email submissions will be accepted.
Q: What criteria must a person meet to be eligible for the Caretaker of the Year award?
A: They must have worked in a caretaker capacity for at least three years and raced primarily at The Raceway.
Stay Tuned for More Racing Excellence
The Raceway at Western Fair District continues to showcase the best in harness racing, attracting top horses, drivers, and trainers from across North America. Keep an eye on 247sports.new for more breaking news, feature stories, and analysis from the world of harness racing.