Starting today, Paddock Judges will be checking participants for safety vests.
ORC rules require that as of October 1, 2009, anyone jogging, training or warming up a horse at a licensed racetrack is required to wear a safety vest. This requirement does not apply to shuttling a horse back and forth from the paddock to the stabling area.
Currently the supply of safety vests at tack shops across the province is low but the ORC has been advised that supply should be in stock by later next week.
The ORC Judges will be granting a grace period of two weeks for any participant unable to obtain a vest due to limited supply. The Judges will continue to monitor the situation, and will review if any extension to the grace period needs to be considered
While different models of safety vests are available to be purchased, the ORC encourages participants to purchase safety vests that comply to the ASTM Standard F2681. While the ORC rule requiring a safety vest does not currently stipulate a standard, it is the intention of the ORC to make the standard a requirement after 2012.
The safety and the welfare of the participant has long been a priority for the Board. The ORC will continue to be vigilant on these issues as they affect the participant and the horse.
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