Effective April 1, 2025, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) will be fully reciprocating the Veterinarian’s List from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). AGCO has always worked to reciprocate such protocols from other jurisdictions, and this is a step forward in enhancing the cooperation between AGCO and HISA.
In order for horses on the HISA Veterinarian’s List to race in Ontario, they must first be removed from the list.
To have a horse removed, a trainer must book an appointment using the Booking Request for Removal from Commission Veterinarian's List form. The trainer will receive the HISA attestation paperwork to be completed in combination with their private veterinarian and is required to submit it to vetclerks@agco.ca in advanced of the work.
Both the trainer and veterinarian must attest that the horse has not received:
- Intra-articular treatment within 14 days of veterinarian-observed and tested official work,
- Intra-articular treatment using corticosteroids on any fetlock within 30 days of veterinarian-observed and tested official work,
- Shock Wave therapy within 30 days of veterinarian-observed and tested official work,
- Medical therapeutic device utilizing external power within 48 hours of veterinarian-observed and tested official work, or
- Acupuncture within 48 hours of veterinarian-observed and tested official work.
If the AGCO Commission Veterinarian is satisfied with the attestation, the appointment for an examination will be confirmed. This appointment will include a pre-, during, and post-workout examination by an Official Veterinarian, as well as a collection of blood for out-of-competition testing. Once cleared, the AGCO Commission Veterinarian will forward the examination results to HISA and request removal from the HISA Veterinarian’s List.
Additional Information
- HISA Racetrack Safety Rules
- Rule 2241, page 75
- Rule 2242, page 76
Contact and Support
For more information or if you have a question about the status of a horse that may have previously been stabled in a foreign jurisdiction, please contact Dr. Pamela Chesterfield, Senior Manager, AGCO Veterinary Services at 1-855-261-6821 or AGCO Veterinary Clerks at vetclerks@agco.ca.