ORC advises licensees to keep up to date on all federal regulations affecting racing and racehorses

The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) advises that it is the responsibility of licensees – and particularly owners of Ontario racehorses – to keep up to date on various federal regulatory matters that impact racing and racehorses. Owners and trainers are encouraged to watch for updates on a regular basis. Use this link to view the Notice.

The ORC believes that the welfare, safety and dignity of the horse should continue in retirement. “That’s why the Board of the ORC has enthusiastically supported racehorse adoption and placement programs,” said ORC Chair Rod Seiling.

He said the ORC hopes owners consider these options. “It not only gives the horse a new home and perhaps a new career, it makes sense from a practical point of view. As referenced in an ORC Notice to the Industry (July 23), new federal regulations have imposed restrictions on sending horses for processing.”

Attn:      Trainers

Re:         Using Polysporin ® on your horses

We would like to remind you that Polysporin ® produces six different types of pain relief cream, one of those products Polysporin ® contains Lidocaine Hydrochloride and when applied to your horses could result in a positive test.   We refer you to the Polysporin website at www.polysporin.ca and to the CMPA Schedule of Drugs for further information.

The Thoroughbred study is funded by Equine Guelph, and is supported by the HBPA of Ontario, Woodbine Entertainment Group and the Ontario Racing Commission.

26 July 2010

The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has approved an application from Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium (FELRC) to add dates to its schedule in October for American Quarter Horse Racing.  Also approved was an application from the FELRC to change post times in October, as well as include a make up for a missed May date.

You are invited to comment on the proposed 2010 Thoroughbred rule changes received and reviewed under the Ontario Racing Commission’s (ORC) Rules Amendments Process.

Proposals for changes to the Rule of Racing were received from the industry in mid September 2009.  Industry input on thse proposals happens at two levels:

First,  the proposals were reviewed by the Thoroughbred Rules Amendment Working Group, which was set up by the Executive Director to provide input and advice on changes.

Second, individuals and associations can now provide their comments on the proposals through this current phase.

The Board of the ORC will be reviewing these proposals along with any input received through the comment phase.  Any proposals that are approved by the ORC Board will be anounced through the issuance of Directives.

The ORC wishes to thank the members of the Thoroughbred Rules Working Group for their interset and contribution.

To review each of the proposals, click on the link below or access the ORC website by clicking on the link below.

July 27, 2010 – For Immediate Release to All Media

FORT ERIE, ONTARIO – The Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium (FELRC) today announced the launch of Quarter Horse Racing at the Fort Erie Race Track starting in October 2010. With the approval of its application to the Ontario Racing Commission, issued Friday, the FELRC announced the expansion of the 2010 Fort Erie meet with three additional days to introduce Quarter Horse racing to the existing 113 year old Thoroughbred racing program.

The first three Saturdays in October — October 2nd, October 9th, and October 16th — will see full day race cards of Quarter Horse racing at the historic border racetrack. The closing weekend for the meet — Saturday, October 23rd and Sunday, October 24th — will feature a mixed race card of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing as an exciting wrap-up to the 2010 season.

“It’s great to see the plans for the racing program start to come together,” said Jim Thibert, Chief Executive Officer of the FELRC. “With three additional days added to our 2010 meet we’re seeing growth and expansion of racing here at Fort Erie. Adding Quarter Horse racing brings an exciting new racing and wagering product that enhances our Thoroughbred program and we are really hoping that the Canadian and American owners and trainers of the American Quarter Horses respond with enthusiasm. to our offer to present a new venue in Canada and so close to the border of America”

“Quarter Horse racing takes sprint racing to a whole new level. Quarter Horses have records for 100 yards at less than 7 seconds, and two furlongs at less than 21. We are hoping to card some match races between Thoroughbred and Quarter Horses — that would be exciting racing action!”

A pilot project to add Quarter Horse racing to the Fort Erie meet was announced in December 2009 as part of the FELRC plan for rejuvenation of live racing at Fort Erie. “With a good supply of entries, we expect to run thirty-to-forty Quarter Horse races this October, as a test of the logistics of merging Quarter Horses into our existing Thoroughbred operations,” says Rick Cowan, Chief Operating Officer for the Fort Erie racetrack. “You can expect to hear details on purses and race conditions over the next couple of weeks.”

“This is Year One of a three year pilot project that will see Quarter Horse racing at Fort Erie through to the 2012 racing season. We’re focused on making sure that we start off right, with full cards of good racing this year. We’ll spend time at the end of year to plan how a mixed Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse meet will look for 2011 and 2012,” said Cowan.

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 The Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium (FELRC) is comprised of representatives from Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism Corporation (FEEDTC), the Town of Fort Erie, and the Ontario Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), a not-for-profit organization responsible for operating the century old Fort Erie racetrack for the next three years.

MEMO

To:          HBPA of Ontario – Members

Re:         West Nile virus (WNv) in Ontario

We would like to advise that there have been several reported cases of the West Nile virus (WNv) in Ontario this year.   Equine Guelph reports that West Nile  virus can be a fatal disease in 30% of horses that show neurological signs and up to 40% of survivors can have residual neurological deficits for period of months to permanent disability, it is important to inoculate horses against this virus. 

The HBPA of Ontario would like to host a Veterinary Seminar for Owners and Trainers at Thoroughbred Race Horse related issues.  If you are a vet interested in speaking at this seminar we would appreciate hearing from you.  Please contact Bridget Bimm by phone 416-747-5252 ext or by email bbimm@hbpa.on.ca

Thank you.

The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) is seeking individuals who can bring knowledge, connections and ideas relevant to the different Programs, to serve on Advisory Groups and Working Groups, to provide input and advice to the Program Administrator on Program elements. The ORC is the Program Administrator of the Horse Improvement Program (including the Thoroughbred Improvement Program and Standardbred Improvement Program) and the Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program.

To view the Notice, click on the link below or access the ORC website at www.ontarioracingcommission.ca under What’s New.

News Release