AGCO reaches agreement with Woodbine over late 2024 horse fatalities
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has settled with Woodbine Entertainment following an investigation into horse welfare issues at the Toronto racetrack.
Between 28 October and 15 December 2024, as many as 19 horses were injured while racing at Woodbine, and 10 of them had to be euthanised. On 9 November alone, six horses fell during racing and training, leading to three euthanasias and the cancellation of that day’s races. Woodbine has agreed not to contest the AGCO’s findings.
AGCO uncovers track maintenance failures
The to maintain its tracks according to required guidelines. Problems included poor grooming practices, inconsistent track depth measurements, undertrained and inexperienced staff, a lack of standardised maintenance protocols, and poorly maintained track equipment.
The track surface used at was Tapeta, a mixture of sand, rubber, and fibres coated with wax, which is generally seen as one of the safer surfaces in the industry. However, the investigation concluded that lapses in maintenance compromised its integrity.
Woodbine commits to safety reforms and monitoring
To address these issues, Woodbine will hire two internationally recognised track safety experts to carry out quarterly assessments of the tracks. These reports will be shared with both Woodbine and the AGCO. A new Track Surfaces Committee will also be formed, including representatives from Woodbine, the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), and the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada (JBAC).
Woodbine Entertainment’s Board of Directors will oversee the changes and ensure the track safety protocols are followed. If Woodbine fails to meet the settlement conditions, it could face regulatory action and a fine of CA$200,000 (US$144,180).
Ongoing and pre-settlement safety actions
Before reaching the settlement, Woodbine had already started making safety improvements. These included hiring a full-time track maintenance specialist with international experience, purchasing new maintenance equipment, and using an Integrated Racetrack Surface Tester to monitor track conditions like moisture, temperature, and cushion depth.
The track was also renovated near the five-and-a-half furlong marker to improve drainage and consistency. New maintenance protocols and clarified staff responsibilities were introduced to manage the track more effectively.
In wider efforts, the Horseracing Industry People Board (HIPB) has received £759,000 (US$1m) in funding to support the training of track personnel.
Separately, the AGCO plans to introduce broader reforms across Ontario’s horse racing sector, including stronger veterinary oversight, monitoring of horses returning from the veterinarian’s list, and setting new rules on race frequency and therapeutic treatments.
Get the inside track on iGaming’s biggest stories with SiGMA’s Top 10 news countdown! From breaking headlines to exclusive insights, the world’s biggest iGaming community delivers a weekly newsletter designed to keep you ahead of the game. Subscribe to stay informed and unlock subscriber-only offers!
