In response to a concerning increase in catastrophic equine injuries at Woodbine Racetrack, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has directed Woodbine Racetrack to implement a series of measures intended to reduce the risk to racehorses as it continues to review this matter.
New Measures:
- Effective immediately, any racehorse that has raced within the previous 14 calendar days is ineligible to race and will be scratched if already entered.
- Any racehorses that have received an intra-articular fetlock injection – used to treat joint issues – within the previous 14 calendar days of race date will be restricted from entering race.
- 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.
These measures will remain in place until further notice.
The AGCO is committed to protecting the wellbeing and safety of horses and all racing participants. AGCO personnel will continue to closely monitor the situation going forward, continuing to take all appropriate measures.
Official Ruling
Thoroughbred Official Ruling: Ruling Number 2931297
Role of the AGCO
The AGCO regulates horse racing under the Horse Racing Licence Act, 2015 (HRLA).
The AGCO ensures that horse racing in Ontario is conducted with integrity, honesty and in the public interest, and ensures that there is fairness and safety in racing.