The Board of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) is circulating rules received from the industry consultation group, formed to review the acceptable urging of a horse in Ontario Thoroughbred horseracing. Industry participants and associations are encouraged to provide any new and material comments by end of day – August 10th.

At its meeting of July 9th the Board reviewed and considered the proposed rules, and are satisfied. Due to the far reaching implications for the changes, the Board determined that a final circulation of the rules should take place prior to implementation, to ensure an opportunity is provided for anything new or material to be brought to their attention.

The rules were submitted by the Thoroughbred Working Group on the Use of the Whip Initiative, and are a result of a major effort and time commitment to develop a new approach for the appropriate urging of the horse. This new approach takes into consideration the safety of the participants, the welfare of the horse and the perception of the product.

Click HERE for the rule changes and the policy document. In an effort to ensure clear rules while encouraging understanding for enforcement and application, the rules were simplified and a policy document was created to provide clarity.

To be considered, submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2009 as follows:

By Website: www.ontarioracingcommission.ca use the “Opportunity for Input” form

By Email: [email protected]

By Fax: 416-213-7827