WHEREAS standardbred horse racing was shut down in the Province of Ontario on March 20, 2020, thoroughbred racing was scheduled to commence on April 18, 2020 at Woodbine Racetrack and May 26, 2020 at Fort Erie Race Track, and quarter horse racing was scheduled to commence on May 10, 2020 at Ajax Downs Racetrack, but delayed as a result of a provincial emergency order and in accordance with public health restrictions related to COVID-19;
AND WHEREAS the emergency order was lifted with respect to horse racing, effective Tuesday, May 19, 2020;
AND WHEREAS the AGCO requires that measures be put in place prior to the reopening of racing to facilitate the safe operation of racetracks for all participants and racehorses;
TAKE NOTICE THAT, the Registrar requires:
BY ORDER OF THE REGISTRAR
Jean Major
Registrar
WHEREAS the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (“AGCO”) was recently approached by representatives from industry stakeholders to consider revising Policy Directive No. 1-2009: Cancellation Fees, in place since March 25, 2009;
AND WHEREAS since March 25, 2009, there have been significant changes in the industry, most notably the merger between the Ontario Racing Commission (“ORC”) and the AGCO on April 1, 2016, which resulted in the roles and responsibilities of the former ORC being shared among various agencies, namely, AGCO, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (“OLG”) and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (“OMAFRA”);
AND WHEREAS as part of transfer of responsibilities economic regulation of the industry was shifted to the OLG and following discussions with OLG it was agreed that oversight of cancellation fees now rests properly with OLG;
TAKE NOTICE THAT, pursuant to his authority under sections 2 and 5 of the Horse Racing Licence Act, 2015 the Registrar directs the following which is not subject to appeal:
21.01.02 Extreme Temperature Standard
In the event of extreme temperature, the decision to cancel racing shall be made by an Association applying the Extreme Temperature Standard. and Policy Directive 1-2009 Cancellation Fees.
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Extreme Temperature Standard
14.06 In the event of a forecasted extreme temperature, the decision to cancel racing shall be made by an Association applying the Extreme Temperature Standard and Policy Directive 1-2009 Cancellation Fees.
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BY ORDER OF THE REGISTRAR
Tom Mungham
Registrar