The Alcohol and Gaming Fee of Ontario (AGCO) and Woodbine Leisure have formally reached a settlement after a troubling sequence of equine accidents within the fall of 2024. Woodbine, whereas not contesting the AGCO’s findings, has agreed to undertake new corrective actions to improve horse racing security at its Toronto-based racetrack.
Findings from AGCO’s investigation:
The AGCO launched an investigation following 19 horse accidents that occurred between October 28 and December 15, 2024, on Woodbine’s Tapeta floor. Out of those incidents, ten horses needed to be euthanized, together with three on a single day, November 9, prompting the cancellation of the rest of that day’s racing card.
The investigation revealed severe deficiencies in Woodbine’s upkeep of the Tapeta floor, a cloth typically considered one of many most secure within the business. Inspectors discovered that grooming practices have been substandard, floor depth measurements have been inconsistent, and upkeep tools was not correctly stored. Moreover, the investigation pointed to the usage of undertrained and inexperienced workers and the absence of standardized upkeep protocols.
Regardless of Tapeta’s repute for security, the lapses in correct care severely undermined the observe’s integrity. The AGCO emphasised that making certain the very best observe requirements is important to safeguarding the well-being of racehorses in Ontario.
In response to the findings, Woodbine has agreed to implement a sequence of enforceable security measures below the settlement phrases:
Unbiased Observe Oversight: Woodbine will retain two internationally acknowledged observe security consultants for a two-year interval. These consultants will conduct quarterly inspections of the Tapeta floor and report their findings to each Woodbine and the AGCO.
New Observe Surfaces Committee: A committee can be created to observe observe circumstances and advocate enhancements all through the racing season. This group will embody representatives from Woodbine, the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protecting Affiliation (HBPA), and the Jockey’s Profit Affiliation of Canada (JBAC).
Board-Stage Supervision: Woodbine’s Board of Administrators will activity its Governance and Compliance Committee with overseeing the Observe Surfaces Committee’s actions.
Based on Thoroughbred Every day Information, failure to adjust to these measures might set off regulatory motion, together with a $200,000 financial penalty. Moreover, Woodbine Leisure has agreed to donate $200,000 to help equine aftercare initiatives in Ontario, with equal contributions directed to the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
Proactive security enhancements already underway:
Earlier than finalizing the settlement with the AGCO, Woodbine had already undertaken a sequence of inner reforms to enhance observe security. These embody hiring a full-time observe upkeep specialist with worldwide expertise, buying state-of-the-art upkeep tools, and introducing superior monitoring instruments like an Built-in Racetrack Floor Tester to trace moisture, temperature, and cushion depth.
Furthermore, the observe was renovated close to the five-and-a-half furlong marker to boost drainage and consistency. New upkeep protocols and clarified workers duties have been applied to make sure that the observe is persistently managed to the very best requirements.
Past Woodbine’s personal commitments, the AGCO plans to introduce broader reforms throughout Ontario’s horse racing sector. These measures embody strengthening veterinary oversight, carefully monitoring horses coming back from the veterinarian’s checklist, and establishing new tips regulating race frequency and sure therapeutic remedies.
