Applies to Standardbred
As part of its continued commitment to protect Ontario’s racehorses and enhance the integrity of racing, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has made the following changes within the Rules of Racing to promote the welfare of equine athletes.
Please see the changes to the Standardbred Rules of Racing below.
Effective Date: June 5, 2023
What is changing: A revision of rule 22.19 of the Standardbred Rules of Racing will update language and the penalty structure that prohibits a driver’s foot from making contact with the horse in any manner, aligning it more closely with the urging provisions. The change is a continuation of several welfare initiatives implemented to uphold equine welfare and the integrity of racing. It will align Ontario with other leading racing jurisdictions that already consider both the use of a whip and making contact with a horse with feet urging violations.
What to expect: The revised penalty structure is designed to prevent inappropriate urging violations by drivers. The penalty for a first offense is a monetary penalty. Consecutive offenses will be subject to additional Orders of Monetary Penalties (OMP) and potential driver suspension.
Changes to Penalty Structure
| Violation | Current penalty | Proposed Increase to Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| 1st violation | A monetary penalty of $100 for a first violation | A monetary penalty of $100 for a first violation |
| 2nd violation | A monetary penalty of $300 for a second violation within 6 months | $300 and a minimum 5 day driving suspension within 1 year of the 1st violation |
| 3rd violation | A monetary penalty of $500 for a third violation within 6 months of the first violation | $500 and minimum 15 day driving suspension within 1 year of the 1st violation |
| 4th violation | A fourth violation within 6 months will result in a 5-day suspension from driving being imposed by the Judges and the driver shall be referred to the Commission for determination of further sanction which may include a suspension, monetary penalty and/or conditions of the licence | Immediate suspension and referral to the Director within 1 year of the 1st violation |
Changes to the Standardbred Rules of Racing
There will be a revision to rule 22.19 of the Standardbred Rules of Racing, stating:
- 22.19 Drivers shall keep both feet in the stirrups or foot supports during the post parade, while in front of the grandstand and from the time the horses are brought to the starting gate until the race has been completed. Drivers shall be permitted to remove a foot from the stirrups or foot supports during the course of the race solely for the purpose of pulling ear plugs and once these have been pulled, the foot must be placed back into the stirrup or foot support. If a driver’s foot is in the stirrup or foot support, he or she shall not allow his/her foot to hit a horse in any manner. It shall be considered a violation if a driver makes any contact with the horse in any manner. Drivers who violate this rule shall be subject to the following penalties:
a monetary penalty of $100 for a first violation, a monetary penalty of $300 for a second violation within 6 months, and a monetary penalty of $500 for a third violation within 6 months of the first violation. A fourth violation within 6 months will result in a 5-day suspension from driving being imposed by the Judges and the driver shall be referred to the Commission for determination of further sanction which may include a suspension, monetary penalty and/or conditions of the licence.
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 1st violation | A monetary penalty of $100 for a first violation |
| 2nd violation | $300 and a minimum 5 day driving suspension within 1 year of the 1st violation |
| 3rd violation | $500 and minimum 15 day driving suspension within 1 year of the 1st violation |
| 4th violation | Immediate suspension and referral to the Director within 1 year of the 1st violation |