TORONTO, August 18, 2026 – Twice a month, Woodbine Mohawk Park will profile a Standardbred connected to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS). This week’s installment belongs to Keystone Edge, a gregarious 18-year-old gelding who was welcomed back into the program after being adopted out of it a few years ago. While Bert and Susan Mollica, who train the majority of OSAS horses at their farm in Tottenham, Ontario, didn’t cross paths with Keystone Edge during his first stint with OSAS, the devoted husband-and-wife team is grateful to be co-authoring the next chapter of his life. “He is a very, very good boy,” praised Susan. “The owner that had him loved him. It was really hard for the gentleman to bring him back. He wants to visit Edge if Edge is still here, and his own health permits it, so it was quite emotional. But it’s been very clear that Edge was trained and loved.” Fun fact #1: Keystone Edge’s barn name is Edge. Fun fact #2: Keystone Edge made 56 starts across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, earning just shy of $60,000 lifetime. Fun fact #3: His dam, Keystone Exton, is a half-sister to iron horse Keystone Endeavor, who made 390 starts while racing from ages two through 14. Keystone Endeavor was driven by several top drivers over his career, including Hall of Famer and current OSAS board member Bill O’Donnell. Keystone Edge Foaled: May 29, 2008 Sire: Bettor’s Delight Dam: Keystone Exton Trainer: Shayne Barrington (most recent) Owner: Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society Breeder: George Hempt OSAS Program Status: Recently re-enrolled Keystone Edge and Bert Mollica Some folks in the program are already quite familiar with Keystone Edge. What have you learned about his character? “Edge settled in really well. He’s like the papa bear. He’s with Soldier Boy [Officersoldierboy], and he just loves him. The bond they share is like father and son. Soldier Boy’s only four years old, and he’s a kind soul, too, but Edge has been there, done that… He’s just a happy boy.” How are you and Bert approaching Keystone Edge’s second stay in the program? “It makes it easier for us because Edge already knows everything. It’s been more about introducing him to our home, introducing him to his new buddy – but Bert can literally go tack him and ride him at any time. There’s no learning process for Edge because he already knows it all. “This is a retreat while he waits to go to his forever home.” Based on everything you know about Keystone Edge, what kind of home do you think will suit him best? “It will be with someone who wants to go out, tack up their horse, and go for a nice ride by themselves or with a group. He will be the leader, but he’ll also be a follower. He will do what anybody wants him to do. “He’s just waiting for someone who wants to enjoy life with Edge.” Keystone Edge and Bert Mollica Keystone Edge is proof that Standardbreds always have a home with OSAS. How important is providing that continued care, even after horses have moved through the program? “This is why we work with OSAS. Whether they age out of the program or get hurt, OSAS doesn’t shut the door on a horse – the door is always wide open. They will continue to support and love the horse. “Even if Bert and I aren’t doing it anymore, OSAS will still carry on, and the horse will never be left astray. It’s so hard to put in words how amazing the program is. We’ve had horses come back in the past that were younger, and we had no issue re-adopting them out. Even with Edge being older, he will find his perfect home. “One thing that OSAS stands behind is that every horse they have in their program and in their care is always welcome back. Even when situations change, they continue to be responsible for those horses and will help find them their forever home again.” Keystone Edge and Bert Mollica * Founded in 1996, OSAS is an approved charitable organization committed to assisting in the adoption and relocation of retired and non-racing Standardbred horses within Ontario. A primary mandate of the program is to showcase the versatility of the breed to horse lovers unfamiliar with harness horses. OSAS, which strives to educate and assist in the retraining and management of Standardbreds, relies heavily on volunteers and temporary foster homes to carry out its mission. Those interested in getting involved with OSAS and its cause can reach out at osashorses@gmail.com or call 905-339-6748 for more information. Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine Mohawk Park Share This:Share
