In response to a concerning increase in catastrophic equine injuries at Woodbine Racetrack towards the end of the 2024 racing season, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) ordered Woodbine to implement a series of evidence-based measures to provide confidence that operations could resume safely in the final weeks of the season. Those included safety measures intended to protect the health and wellbeing of racehorses.
As officials continue to review the circumstances that led to these tragic events, the AGCO has issued a new ruling to Woodbine Racetrack, extending three of the measures put in place on November 30. Those measures are:
- Any racehorses that have received an intra-articular fetlock injection – used to treat joint issues – within the previous 14 calendar days will be restricted from future entries.
- The AGCO is requiring that an Official Veterinarian be present and observe horses during all morning training at Woodbine.
- Before a horse on the Veterinarian’s List is permitted to return to work, its Trainer and a private Veterinarian must observe it jogging within 48 hours before the work and jointly certify that the horse is fit and sound before being examined by the Official Veterinarian and being permitted to work.
As a result of heightened risk to horses during high intensity exercise towards the end of last race season, racehorses were deemed ineligible to race in the event that they had raced in the previous 14 calendar days. That requirement will no longer be in place as a result of reduced risk factors present at the beginning of the race season.
While the AGCO continues to review what safeguards are appropriate to promote the safety and well-being of racehorses in Ontario, officials will continue to consult and communicate with stakeholders to ensure that they can effectively plan and prepare for the 2025 race season.
Official Ruling
- Thoroughbred Official Ruling - Ruling 2998165