On December 10, 2015, the Ontario Legislature passed legislation which will transfer the regulatory responsibilities of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and change the adjudication process for the appeal of horse racing decisions in Ontario. In particular, the legislation will create a new adjudicative body called […]
Ontario Racing Commission
To enhance a coordinated governance approach during the soft merger period, there have been positive changes to the makeup of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Boards. The Government of Ontario appointed ORC Chair Elmer Buchanan to the Board of the AGCO for a period of one year, effective July 22, […]
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) is currently distributing 4,000 USB sticks packed with information on how to prevent horses from getting sick to racehorse caregivers in all 10 Ontario race tracks paddocks and race offices as well as approximately 20 major training centres. The USB sticks include unique whiteboard videos introducing the basics of understanding […]
Government approval to move forward on the regulatory merger of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), first announced in the spring, has now been granted. As a result, several changes are taking place at the Ontario Racing Commission effective today. First, Steve Lehman, who has been with […]
On May 20, 2015, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) released a Memorandumto Provincial Regulatory bodies and the Canadian horse racing industry advising that buprenorphine has been added to Schedule of Prohibited Drugs. Click here to see a copy of the CPMA Memorandum. The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) issues this Notice as a service. ORC licensees are expected to […]
Effective May 10, 2015, the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) will be enforcing a zero tolerance level with respect to clenbuterol found in quarter horses racing at Ajax Downs. Any Quarter Horses testing positive for clenbuterol will be considered a violation of QUARTER HORSE DIRECTIVE NO. 1 – 2015 and may result in a fine and or […]
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) and Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) will further enhance the ORC’s current Out of Competition Testing (OCT) program. WEG will apply for reimbursement of qualifying out-of-pocket testing and laboratory expenses through The Jockey Club’s Out of Competition Testing Grant Fund (“Grant Fund”). The Grant Fund has been established by The Jockey […]
Chair Elmer Buchanan announced that John W. Macdonald, Q.C. of Toronto has been reappointed by the Government of Ontario as a member of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) for a period of two (2) years, effective December 1, 2014. Mr. Macdonald is a lawyer with experience in general practice, primarily of a corporate and commercial nature including clients […]
Elmer Buchanan has been reappointed by the Government of Ontario as Chair of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) for a term of two years, effective November 6, 2014. “I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Buchanan. “The challenge ahead remains significant: to continue our collective efforts to grow an industry that is sustainable, attracts a […]
Years of uncertainly have come to an end for the employees and horse people of Fort Erie Race Track. Today, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Jeff Leal, reiterated the government’s commitment to the continuation of live thoroughbred racing at the historic site. This season, which is the first of a five-year partnership […]
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) will enhance the ORC’s current Out of Competition Testing (OCT) program. Effective immediately, WEG will apply for reimbursement of qualifying out-of-pocket testing and laboratory expenses through The Jockey Club’s Out of Competition Testing Grant Fund (“Grant Fund”). The Grant Fund has been established by The Jockey Club to assist […]
It is with profound sadness that the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) announces that Wendy Hoogeveen passed away on Monday, August 4, 2014. Wendy worked for the ORC for over 30 years, ultimately holding the position of Director, Industry Development & Support. Her commitment and dedication to the horse racing industry were unparalleled and we are grateful for her […]
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) is pleased to announce the approval of the revised allocations of the Pari-Mutuel Tax Reduction (PMTR) to support and encourage the horse racing industry in Ontario. This is in keeping with the ORC’s mandate to implement the components of the 5-year Horse Racing Partnership Plan (HRPP), as approved by the Ontario government. As […]
From London, Ontario to London, England, from the thoroughbred Melbourne Cup to the standardbred North American Cup – horse racing is truly an international sport — and one of the most regulated sports in the world. Equine athletes are tested more than While Ontario has rigid standards locally, illegitimate operators have crossed jurisdictional borders easily […]
The Manitoba Horse Racing Commission has issued a release confirming a case of neurological Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) at Assiniboia Downs, a racetrack located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The ORC is closely monitoring the situation. While the quarantine at Assiniboia is in effect, trainers of horses that have been on the grounds of this track since […]
