Woodbine Entertainment and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) have finalized a settlement after an investigation into a series of horse injuries that occurred last fall. The investigation focused on incidents involving thoroughbred horses racing and training on Woodbine’s Tapeta track surface.
Good to know
- Woodbine Entertainment must improve track maintenance after an investigation by AGCO.
- Ten horses were euthanized following injuries on Woodbine’s Tapeta surface.
- Woodbine will donate $200,000 to two equine welfare organizations as part of the settlement.
The AGCO reported that Woodbine’s track maintenance practices in 2024 did not meet the standards set by the surface manufacturer. The regulator concluded that these practices contributed to several injuries, ten of which resulted in euthanasia.
Under the terms of the settlement, Woodbine has accepted the AGCO’s findings without contest, although it has reserved other rights. To support horse welfare, Woodbine agreed to donate $200,000. The amount will be split equally between the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
In its official statement, the AGCO said, “The AGCO is committed to ensuring safe horse racing in Ontario. In line with that commitment, Woodbine has agreed to a set of enforceable actions aimed at improving track maintenance practices and protecting the welfare of racehorses competing at Woodbine.”
Should Woodbine fail to comply with the conditions of the agreement, it will face a $200,000 fine, along with possible additional regulatory actions.
In a separate development, the AGCO also recently approved Fennica Gaming for a gaming supplier license. The company, which specializes in digital gaming and lottery solutions, views the Ontario license as an important part of its North American expansion plans.
Fennica Gaming stated that the license “marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy” and will allow it to offer its products to operators across Ontario.
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