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“Protect the health of the horse, ensure safety of the participant and reinforce the integrity of our sport”
I am pleased to announce these significant measures that are designed to protect the health of the horse, ensure the safety of the participant and reinforce the integrity of our sport. The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) recognizes that the health and well being of the horse and the participant is of paramount concern to the racing community.
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These measures have resulted from the community’s expressed desire for regulation that is fair, consistent and which holds all to the highest standards of accountability. The ORC has listened to the community through the Rules Amendment process, the industry-supported Equine Medication Control and Drug Task Force, and other working groups. I want to acknowledge and thank these members of the community for their input.
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Statement from the Chair |
January 23, 2008 - Notice to Industry
ORC Introduces All-encompassing Health, Safety and Regulatory Measures
At its meeting on January 22, 2008, the Board of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) approved a number of significant measures designed to protect the health of the horse, ensure the safety of the participant, and reinforce the integrity of the horse racing industry.
The measures range from new rules regarding medication and treatment regulations for the protection of the horse, safety equipment for participants, and owner and trainer responsibilities. Some of the measures will be put into place immediately, while others will be implemented in a staged process to allow the racing community to adjust.
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Notice to the Industry |
More detailed information on the new measures included in this announcement is available.
Horse Health Passport
In an effort to curb the over medication of horses due to lack of information and to assist in the policing of the appropriate treatment of horses and proper administration of medications, ORC will be moving towards the establishment of a horse passport for competing in Ontario.
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Horse Health Passport |
Licensed Veterinarians – Requirement to use
For the health of the horse, and to know what can be given and when, under a new regulation only ORC licensed vets will be authorized to treat race horses. Exemptions: emergencies and areas under serviced by vets. Effective June 1, 2008
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ORC Licensed Vet |
The Use of Shockwave Therapy
For the health of the horse, a new regulation has been established on the timing and use of shock wave – or pulse wave – therapy on a racehorse.
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Use of Shockwave Therapy |
The Use of Safety Reins
For the safety of participants, a new regulation requiring the use of safety reins for all racehorses has been established. Effective in phases.
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Safety Reins Measure |
The Use of Safety Vests
For the safety of participants, a new regulation requiring the use of safety vests by standardbred participants has been established. Effective in phases.
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Safety Vest Measure |
Horse Positive Test Penalty
In an aggressive move to improve the welfare of the horse and communicate that Ontario is serious about owner responsibility and positive tests for substances that have no business in the horse, the ORC has approved rules that make a “positive test” horse immediately ineligible to race for 90 days.
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Horse Positive Test Penalty |
Trainer Responsibility
A new regulation establishing absolute responsibility to a trainer whose horse has received a positive test.
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Trainer Absolute Liability |
Revision of Penalty Guidelines
Guidelines have been reviewed and revised to provide ORC Judges/Stewards with discretion to deal with mitigating circumstances when determining the appropriate penalty for a specific violation and to provide the Judges/Stewards with the ability to find other persons partial liable for their actions in contributing to a positive test.
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Revised Penalty Guidelines |
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Policy Directive - Penalty Guidelines |
Trainer Transfer Guidelines
The guidelines used by Judges/Stewards regarding trainer transfers, including closeness of any relationship, family connection, past conduct, and so forth, have been published.
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Trainer Transfer |
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Policy Directive - Trainer Transfer Guidelines |
Licensing Terms Guidelines
New guidelines communicate terms added to licence of any trainer coming off a suspension for a violation of the positive test and/or medication rules.
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Licensing Terms |
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Policy Directive - Licensing Terms Guidelines |
Restrictions to Conditions of Entry
The Out of Competition Program is provincially regulated, under the Racing Commission Act, 2000. It is the responsibility of the regulator to conduct such activities in support of racing, and not that of any other industry stakeholder. New rules make it a violation for a racetrack to make a condition of entry that requires a licensee to consent to off track searches and testing.
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Restrictions to Conditions of Entry |
Search and Seizure Authority
Search and seizure authority is limited to ORC personnel. Racetrack personnel to notify Judges/Stewards immediately of any items of interest found in the course of their activities.
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Search and Seizure |
Out of Competition Program
To codify into the Rules of Racing the activities of the ORC ‘Out-of-Competition’ Program, including a new rule that will allow samples to be frozen. This will provide licensees assurances of a separate confirmatory test. As well, current technical limitations will not shelter offenders from illegal use of drugs.
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Out of Competition Program |