The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and Woodbine Entertainment have officially reached a settlement after a troubling series of equine injuries in the fall of 2024. Woodbine, while not contesting the AGCO’s findings, has agreed to adopt new corrective actions to enhance horse racing safety at its Toronto-based racetrack.

Findings from AGCO’s investigation:

The AGCO launched an investigation following 19 horse injuries that occurred between October 28 and December 15, 2024, on Woodbine’s Tapeta surface. Out of these incidents, ten horses had to be euthanized, including three on a single day, November 9, prompting the cancellation of the remainder of that day’s racing card.

The investigation revealed serious deficiencies in Woodbine’s maintenance of the Tapeta surface, a material generally regarded as one of the safest in the industry. Inspectors found that grooming practices were substandard, surface depth measurements were inconsistent, and maintenance equipment was not properly kept. Furthermore, the investigation pointed to the use of undertrained and inexperienced staff and the absence of standardized maintenance protocols.

Despite Tapeta’s reputation for safety, the lapses in proper care severely undermined the track’s integrity. The AGCO emphasized that ensuring the highest track standards is vital to safeguarding the well-being of racehorses in Ontario.

In response to the findings, Woodbine has agreed to implement a series of enforceable safety measures under the settlement terms:

  • Independent Track Oversight: Woodbine will retain two internationally recognized track safety experts for a two-year period. These experts will conduct quarterly inspections of the Tapeta surface and report their findings to both Woodbine and the AGCO.
  • New Track Surfaces Committee: A committee will be created to monitor track conditions and recommend improvements throughout the racing season. This group will include representatives from Woodbine, the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), and the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada (JBAC).
  • Board-Level Supervision: Woodbine’s Board of Directors will task its Governance and Compliance Committee with overseeing the Track Surfaces Committee’s activities.

According to Thoroughbred Daily News, failure to comply with these measures could trigger regulatory action, including a $200,000 monetary penalty. Additionally, Woodbine Entertainment has agreed to donate $200,000 to support equine aftercare initiatives in Ontario, with equal contributions directed to the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

Proactive safety improvements already underway:

Before finalizing the agreement with the AGCO, Woodbine had already undertaken a series of internal reforms to improve track safety. These include hiring a full-time track maintenance specialist with international experience, acquiring state-of-the-art maintenance equipment, and introducing advanced monitoring tools like an Integrated Racetrack Surface Tester to track moisture, temperature, and cushion depth.

Moreover, the track was renovated near the five-and-a-half furlong marker to enhance drainage and consistency. New maintenance protocols and clarified staff responsibilities have been implemented to ensure that the track is consistently managed to the highest standards.

Beyond Woodbine’s own commitments, the AGCO plans to introduce broader reforms across Ontario’s horse racing sector. These measures include strengthening veterinary oversight, closely monitoring horses returning from the veterinarian’s list, and establishing new guidelines regulating race frequency and certain therapeutic treatments.