May 15, 2020

During this extraordinary time, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is continuing its activities and services for the sectors we regulate. We wish to offer as much guidance and support as we can to all those who rely on the AGCO’s services and continue to work closely with and support the provincial government with its greater public health objectives. Once horse racing in Ontario resumes operation, the AGCO will continue to conduct its horse racing related activities to maintain the safety of participants and the integrity of the sport.  To that end, today we are issuing the following Information Bulletin on the revision to urging provisions for Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred racing, which will be in effect once horse racing in Ontario resumes.

As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting Ontario’s race horses, enhancing the integrity of racing, and providing a regulatory framework appropriate for today’s racing industry, the AGCO is expanding the 2019 revised urging provisions and reiterating the penalty guidelines for all racetracks in Ontario.

To facilitate the transition to the new rules, the AGCO will provide training materials and orientation sessions to participants and Race Officials. In addition, it will hold special paddock meetings for jockeys as they adjust their riding style to meet the new requirements.

Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racing:

Effective when racing resumes, the revised urging provisions outlined in Thoroughbred Directive No. 1 – 2020 – Revision to Urging Provisions, will:

  • Limit urging in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing to underhand use of the crop only
  • Allow no contact with the horse with the crop in the cocked position
  • Prohibit any hits to the horse’s belly or surrounding area

The revised urging provisions are the result of the AGCO’s evaluation, with key stakeholders, of the urging test period that took place at Woodbine Racetrack at the end of the 2019 racing season from October 18 to December 15.  

The AGCO also wishes to clarify that the Penalty Guidelines and assessment of the penalty are intended to have a retrospective effect. Not all infractions occurring subsequent to the implementation of Thoroughbred Directive No. 4 – 2019 – Revision to Urging Provisions and Thoroughbred Directive No. 1 – 2020 – Revision to Urging Provisions will be treated as a first offence for the purposes of setting penalty.

For a complete description of the rule changes, please see Thoroughbred Directive No. 1 – 2020 – Revision to Urging Provisions.

Standardbred Racing:

The AGCO wishes to clarify that the Penalty Guidelines and assessment of the penalty are intended to have a retrospective effect.  Not all infractions occurring subsequent to the implementation of Standardbred Directive No. 3 – 2019 – Revision to Urging Provisions and Standardbred Directive No. 1 – 2020 – Revision to Urging Provisions will be treated as a first offence for the purposes of setting penalty.

For a complete description of the rule changes, please see Standardbred Directive No. 1 – 2020 – Revision to Urging Provisions

Line of Business: 
Number: 
83
Document number: 
83

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