by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — After celebrating a career year in 2011, trainer Tony O’Sullivan has much to be thankful for.

The Cambridge resident sent out winners of $3,984,272 in purses and 123 winners from 680 starters. The native of Australia has also been nominated for an O’Brien Award as Canada’s top conditioner, a first for the 35-year-old.

When asked if he ever dreamed about being considered for an O’Brien Award, O’Sullivan quickly responded.

“No, never,” he said. “I figured if I could make a good living and have a few horses and be happy, that would be great. It’s worked out way better than I thought.”

O’Sullivan, who was the leading trainer at the Mohawk summer meet, finished a close second on the year-end WEG meet with 94 victories in 548 starts and C$2,805,298 in earnings. Jeff Gillis, who is also nominated for an O’Brien Award, topped O’Sullivan as WEG’s leading trainer in 2011 with 99 wins in 608 starts with C$3,248,083 in purse earnings.

“It’s great to be nominated,” O’Sullivan said. “Jeff (Gillis) and I had very similar years. I don’t know how the voting process goes and whether we win or not remains to be seen, but either way it will be great to be a part of it and it’s pretty special to be nominated at a young age.”

O’Sullivan’s top performers in 2011 include the Adios winner Alsace Hanover ($873,670), OSS Super Final winner Camaes Fellow ($410,501), Blissful Smile ($169,406) and Fantaddy ($170,435), just to name a few.

WEG’s communications department recently spoke with O’Sullivan. To view the video, click here.