The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) frequently reviews its horse racing policies and processes as part of its ongoing industry modernization efforts with a goal of supporting the sector in leading the development of its own processes, where appropriate.
Through this process, it has been determined that while the AGCO will maintain its regulatory oversight over the appropriate use of racing colours, the horse racing industry itself is best positioned to determine the correct approach to the registration of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing colours in the future.
As a result, beginning January 1, 2021, the AGCO will no longer administer the registration of racing colours.
In the interim, the AGCO will continue to register racing colours from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 but will waive the annual registration fee during this period. Lifetime racing colours may be registered with the AGCO until March 1, 2020, after which time the AGCO will no longer accept applications for lifetime racing colours.
During the interim period, the AGCO will work with industry leaders on a long-term solution for racing colours, and will keep the industry informed of changes when they come into effect.
Questions about this change may be directed to AGCO Customer Service at 416-326-8700 or 1-800-522-2876 (toll free in Ontario).