Most recently, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario reported that it will be delaying the implementation of its new rule about medications for horses in workouts and qualifiers. The regulator said that the previously announced rules TB 15.40.01 and SB 6.54.01 will not be implemented until January 1, 2024, to provide more clarity on the new requirements.
These new protocols were introduced as part of its continued commitment and responsibility to protect racehorses in Ontario. These changes to the Rules of Racing were first disclosed on June 5, 2023. Still, testing and enforcement of horses needing a workout or qualifier to come off the Veterinarian’s List or TB 15.40.02 and SB 6.54.02 will continue.
Updating Rules with Effective Immediately
Rule 15.40.02 is one of the updated ones, and it reads that a horse requiring a workout to come off the Vet’s List must not test positive for any corticosteroid, analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or local anesthetic. Breaching the rule will result in a minimum CA$500 penalty and horses will be put back on the list for the same number of days and requirement it had for removal.
Meanwhile, the new 6.54.02 states that a horse requiring a qualifier to come off the Vet’s List must not have been given any corticosteroid, analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or local anesthetic. Those who test positive for any of the medications will be disqualified and be put back on the list for the same number of required days.
Moreover, the regulator elaborated that in the interest of fairness and consistency between breeds, the Thoroughbred Rules of Racing or TB 12.31.01 will be reviewed to feature an option for a claimant to return a horse. This will be in the event that a horse is declared ineligible or tests positive after an attempt to be removed from the Vet’s List.
In the meantime, AGCO will use to transitional period to communicate license details and what to expect if this welfare initiative is expanded out of the list. Before the rules are reinstated, additional guidance material will be made available on the official website and shared directly with stakeholders from the industry to deliver more clarity on the new rules and penalty framework.
At the start of June, AGCO via Bulletin No. 88, introduced a new starting gate rule for Thoroughbred and Quarter horses. A new rule and revision to the Rules of Racing to ensure safe and acceptable loading practices in the starting gate, for both horses and starting gate personnel. Meanwhile, there is also Information Bulletin No. 89 which is a new trainer requirement to report all current stabling locations.
Investigating Death of a Racehorse
As a vigilant watchdog of the horse racing industry, in July 2023, fined and suspended a Standardbred trainer over the suspicious death of the racehorse Cams Lucky Sam. The regulator issued monetary penalties of CA$11,000 and a three-year suspension to the trainer, Carol Voyer. Her suspension goes into effect on July 19, 2023, and will apply to July 18, 2026.
Source: “Information Bulletin No 92. – Implementation Paused for Rules Restricting the Use of Certain Medications for Horses Participating in Workouts or Qualifiers” AGCO, August 4, 2024
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...