AGCO announces updates to temporary COVID-19 rule amendments

To provide clarity to the harness racing industry, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is announcing several updates to the temporary COVID-19 rule amendments in the Standardbred and Thoroughbred Rules of Racing. The temporary changes were originally made following the COVID-19 provincial emergency order to support the reopening of horse racing while ensuring health and safety for equine and human athletes, and other racing participants.

The AGCO committed to closely monitoring the impacts of the temporary rules and has already reinstated breathalyzer testing and resumed testing for the Human Alcohol and Drug Program to ensure continued safety in racing. Since the emergency orders and all public health restrictions have ended, the AGCO has reviewed and determined that the remaining temporary rule amendments either be withdrawn or made permanent effective January 31, 2024.

The following nine (9) temporary rule amendments are withdrawn since there is no longer a need for the various social distancing restrictions. The original rules are reinstated:

• Maintaining social distancing
  • Standardbred rules 25.10, 26.12, and 32.07
  • Thoroughbred rules 8.05.04, 9.09.02, and 15.03.01(d) and;
  • Quarter Horse rule 8.05.04
• Limiting physical contact
  • Standardbred rule 9.05, and;
  • Thoroughbred rule 15.03.04

Additionally, the following 17 temporary rule amendments are being made permanent as they provide additional flexibility and positive impact to the sustainability of the industry. The following rules are now permanent:

• Jockey overweight allowance
  • Thoroughbred rule 8.04.02 and;
  • Quarter Horse rule 8.04.02
• Increased flexibility for added money events that supports economic sustainability
  • Standardbred rules 16.04(c, d), 16.08, 16.11, 16.12, 16.14, 16.17, 21.03, 21.06
• Increased flexibility for horse eligibility and qualifying rules that supports horse supply
  • Standardbred rules 11.01.02(f), 11.02.01, 12.03, 12.09, 17.10 (NOTE: deletion of 17.10.01 as a result of changes to 17.10(i))
• Protection for horse people who have recently claimed a horse
  • Standardbred rule 14.06(a)

Please see here for the complete and up-to-date Rules of Racing and Directives.

From the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario