As reported on May 21st, the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has been closely monitoring and investigating the confirmed reports of EHV-1 in two standardbreds that had been at the Campbellville Training Centre. Due to the infectious and serious nature of this disease, the focus has been to ensure that Ontario’s equine athletes are protected. ORC Manager […]
Ontario Racing Commission
There have been confirmed reports of EHV-1 in two Standardbreds in Ontario, from horses that either were or are at the Campbellville Training Centre. Due to the infectious nature of this disease it is important that decisive measures be taken to protect our equine athletes. Therefore, no horses that are or were stabled at the […]
Details of the 2013 Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program (QHRIDP) have been announced by the Program Administrator. Cooperatively developed with input from the Quarter Horse industry, the 2013 Program maintains a solid racing program and significant support for breeders. With purses being offered of close to $3.7 million, the 2013 Racing Program includes a stakes program worth over $750,000, […]
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) notes that the Vernon Downs’ stable area remains under quarantine as a safety precaution after a case of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) was diagnosed on Saturday. The virus is currently contained to one barn on the Vernon backstretch. Due to the report of this confirmed case, ORC Manager of Veterinary Services Dr. Adam Chambers […]
As reported on April 23rd, a horse in Wellington County tested positive for Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), caused by equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1). The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has determined that this case did not involve a racehorse. However, they are still urging owners to take precautions against the spread of disease and to […]
The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) of Ontario endorses and supports the Horse Welfare Policy adopted by Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG). We believe this was a necessary step to protect racehorses from unnecessary suffering while sending a positive message to the media, public, our customers and the government. As is well-known, the HBPA has […]
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has released a statement to the Ontario racing community in order to make their position on horse slaughter clear.
Rod Seiling, Chair of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) announced today that planning and implementation of the 2013 Horse Improvement Program (HIP) is moving forward. Funding of up to $30 million will be used to develop the Standardbred and Thoroughbred components of HIP, through work that will take place in the near future consulting with […]
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) will be reporting to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), effective immediately. The announcement of the ministry change was included in a news release which indicated that an agreement in principle has been made between the Government of Ontario and Woodbine Entertainment Group. ORC Chair Rod […]
The Director of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) today announced the decision on the applications received seeking variances to the assigned dates for 2013. A total of 5 applications were received from 4 different racetrack operators, which in total sought to reduce the number of 2013 race dates in January, February and March from 224 […]
The Director of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) today announced measures to begin the process of determining the 2013 race date schedule, and to facilitate the continuance of pari-mutuel wagering beginning January 1, 2013. The interim 2013 race date schedule will be based on the approved 2012 schedule. This action has been taken, understanding that […]
Addressing safety has been a hallmark of racing in Ontario, where safety vests have been required in Thoroughbred Racing for more that 17 years. Over the years technology and innovation have produced enhancements in the area of safety. In order to ensure Ontario participants are protected, the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) approved rule changes in […]
The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has been made aware of an outbreak of the neurological form of Equine Herpes Virus 1 at Hawthorne Race Course, a thoroughbred racetrack in Illinois. While racing will continue as scheduled at the track, Hawthorne has put a quarantine in place. Due to the outbreak, the ORC is announcing measures for horses arriving […]
Chantal Sutherland was taken off her mounts at Woodbine on Saturday and suspended for five days after failing a pre-race breathalyzer test for alcohol. Officials at Woodbine would not confirm the report, saying all stewards rulings related to alcohol or drug testing are considered private matters. Sutherland, who rode on Friday’s Woodbine program, was named […]
The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that it had signed a new alliance with the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC), whereby both organizations will share information and resources of common interest to help build intelligence in the fight against unethical and illegal practices in Canadian sport. Click here for more information.
