Ontario
Racing
Commission
Commission
des courses
de l’Ontario
Suite 400
10 Carlson Court
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 6L2
Tel 416 213-0520
Fax 416 213-7827
Bureau 400
10 Carlson Court
Toronto (Ontario)
M9W 6L2
Tél 416 213-0520
Téléc 416 213-7827
Proposed Rule Change
RULES OF RACING:
PROPOSED BY:
check breed
Thoroughbred
Standardbred
x
Quarter Horse
GENERAL
PROPOSED RULE CHANGE
If this proposal is to be pursued, changes to 7.10.01 would be required.
It has been discussed and proposed that improvements to accident procedures be
made, specifically in the case of ½ mile tracks, to possibly include a requirement for
outriders and for a mechanism to ensure the Judges can stop race action before a
race is complete.
A discussion paper is attached.
or
RATIONALE FOR RULE AMENDMENT:
Safety of participants is paramount.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:
Date Received:
July 21, 2009
Rule Development
2010 Rules Amendment Process
Accident Procedures in Horse Racing
Background Paper
Issue
The ORC has received a series of correspondence from the industry requesting changes
to the Rules of Racing with respect to improving the requirements surrounding the
management of horse racing accidents.
Background
On June 2, 2009, an accident occurred in the 2nd race at Grand River on the first turn.
The yellow warning lights were activated by the Judges, and the unaffected drivers
continued on. A loose horse also followed the horses continuing.
On a ½ mile Standardbred Racetrack, horses repeat the circumference of the racetrack.
In this case the drivers and the loose horse came upon the accident a second time,
including a number of people who had gone on the track to assist. Fortunately the
drivers negotiated the accident safely but the loose horse when to the inside and hit the
light standard and flipped over. The race was declared a “no contest” and all wagering
dollars were returned.
Grand River Raceway does not have an outrider to catch a loose horse.
It is suggested that the accident at Grand River is an example of a circumstance where
the Judges should be able to stop a race for the safety of the participants.
Earlier this spring, there was a major accident at Woodbine Racetrack which happened
on the backstretch. While the majority of the field went down and did not continue on in
the race, two horses ahead of the accident proceeded to the finish line without incident.
The Woodbine accident is an example where the Judges would not necessarily “stop” a
race, but allow it to proceed, given that the drivers were past the accident.
The Judges have the ability to determine if an accident has impeded on the outcome of
the race and can make an assessment of “no contest”. The Judges, however, do not
appear to be able to call a race off and order all drivers to stop, in situations where it
might be warranted. The only recourse open to the Judges currently, are to have the
announcer tell the drivers to stop due to an accident. This procedure does not work
consistently, as drivers cannot or do not always hear the announcer.
Factors

Racing is a competitive sport and drivers are competitive in nature. They are
conditioned through repetition and the realities of the hazards of racing to complete
the race in the best possible position.

The Rules of Racing changed in 2009 to allow the payment of the cancellation fee for
races ruled called off (“no contest”)

In 2009 the ORC Administration worked with racetrack administration to promote
each track’s Track Accident Action Plans. Uniform looking posters were created,
specific to each track’s plans. These posters are being put up in the paddock, race
office area and the Judges Stand so all participants know the proper protocol.

While the norm in the past has been the show must go on, the industry is becoming
increasingly aware of how the newcomers in the grandstand are perceiving its
actions. Is it correct to continue a race when a participant has been injured or does
that appear too callous?

In all cases ensuring the safety of participants ranks as the highest priority.

How are racing accidents handled in other jurisdictions?

Are outriders a necessary component of racing?
An outrider, if properly mounted, experienced and capable, is an added tool in
securing an accident scene, capturing a runaway horse, etc.
Unfortunately, capably persons are hard to come by, and trainer/owners regularly
suggest that an outrider can just make matters worse.

Is a regulatory response necessary or can this be handled track by track. A
regulatory change to the rules or other requirement will ensure consistency across all
racing in Ontario.

Current Standardbred Rule 7.10.01 reads “An association shall have warning lights
that shall be activated by the Judges in the event of an emergency or accident of the
racetrack”. There is no requirement for warning lights in Thoroughbred Racing, in
part due to the fact that horses do not cycle over the same ground twice.
Proposed action
Option 1 – If safety is an issue, the race is called off.
In any case where an accident has occurred and any participant is periled by the
continuation of racing, the race should be called “off” by the Judges. If circumstances
warrant, (i.e. the accident is minor and took place at the start of the race) restart the
race. If not, order the race a “no contest” and issue a refund.
Option 2 – Red means stop
Require racetracks to install two levels of warning lights – yellow meaning caution and
red meaning stop.
Option 3 – Maintain the current rule and take no action, as there is sufficient process in
place to cover accidents.
Description of potential rule change
A change to rule 7.10.01 will be required to elaborate on what “warning lights” mean.
Next Steps
To be determined
Issue Leader:
Jim Thatcher