Proceedings
Rulings issued by Judges and Stewards
A ruling is issued by the Judges or Stewards for violations of the Rules of Racing.
During the course of racing activity at the racetrack, Judges and Stewards will issue rulings for infractions of the Rules of Racing. A charge against a participant can arise from a number of different sources:
- Observations by the Judges or Stewards
- Complaints from other driver(s) or jockey(s)
- Reports from racing officials or employees of the AGCO or Association
- Complaints from another licensee
- Report from racing officials in another jurisdiction
- Report from some policing agency
Observations by the Judges or Stewards generally refer to race infractions which were clearly visible to the officials during the course of a race. This category also includes other violations detected by the Judges in the performance of their normal duties.
Complaints by other drivers or jockeys refer to fouls, violations of the rules or other misconduct during a race. Such complaints must be registered immediately after the race (unless the driver has been injured) by means of the paddock telephone. Failure of a driver to report any infraction that occurred during a race constitutes a violation.
Reports from racing officials or employees of the AGCO or Association refer to infractions arising from conditions, incidents, or situations which are drawn to the attention of the Judges and of which they might not otherwise have been aware. In some instances such complaints could originate with the public and be communicated to an Association representative.
All alleged violations of rules brought to the attention of the Judges or Stewards must be investigated by them.
The investigation procedure is an attempt to determine whether a violation has occurred. It is not a hearing.
When the Judges/Stewards are satisfied a ruling will be issued. A copy of the ruling is provided to the licensee
Adjudication
Appeals of rulings made by Judges and Stewards under the Rules of Racing 2016 will now be heard by the Horse Racing Appeal Panel (HRAP). For more information: www.hrappealpanel.ca
Appeals of decisions of the Director under the Rules of Racing 2016 related to licensing will now be heard by the License Appeal Tribunal (LAT).