Toronto, ON – The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has signed an agreement with the State of Illinois Racing Board (IRB), formalizing the two organizations’ commitment to share intelligence and investigative findings which will protect the integrity of racing in both jurisdictions.
The terms of this Memorandum of Understanding outline how the ORC and the IRB will share information on their respective investigations into applicants, registrants, and licensees on a regular basis. This information will include such things as:
• Investigative files of police officers, regulation agents, and civilian investigators, including interview reports, notes, and background checks;
• Veterinary records, such as reports, x-rays, samples, and invoices;
• Photographs;
• History before administrative tribunals and in court, including decisions, findings and orders.
“The Ontario Racing Commission and Illinois Racing Board share common regulatory interests with respect to ensuring the honesty and integrity of racing and the safety of the race participants, and these strategic missions continue to be top priorities for each of our respective jurisdictions,” said Marc Laino, Executive Director of the IRB. “We look forward to a very productive and successful cooperative relationship with our counterparts in Ontario, as we are confronted with serious challenges facing the racing industry.”
In order to ensure high levels of communication and coordination, representatives of the IRB and the ORC will meet bi-yearly. “The ORC is committed to share information it believes is relevant to the international racing community,” said ORC Executive Director John Blakney.
For example, the ORC would share the names and information of international customers of Ontario distributors of illegal medications. As well, he said that someone suspended from racing in Illinois would be prohibited to race in Ontario – and vice-versa. “So, in a practical way, for the licensee, a violation in Illinois is a violation in Ontario.”
The ORC has similar agreements in place with a number of other government and regulatory agencies and jurisdictions. For example: the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, B.C. Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch, and the Office of Racing Commissioner, State of Michigan.
According to Blakney, current negotiations are underway with a number of other US racing regulators. “We believe the protection of the horse and ensuring a high standard of integrity crosses all borders and jurisdictions. “With the support of our local and international community partners, the ORC is committed to breaking the cycle of substance abuse. To achieve that, we will rely on the very best in science and research, education, and both conventional and innovative methods of investigation.”
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