Horse safety concerns resolved: AGCO and Woodbine share terms after thorough investigation conclusion
Woodbine Entertainment's track maintenance practices have come under scrutiny after a series of horse injuries on their Tapeta surface last year. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) investigated these incidents and found that Woodbine's practices failed to meet the standards set by the track surface manufacturer.
In response to the AGCO's findings, Woodbine has agreed to donate $200,000 to two equine welfare organizations as part of a settlement. The donation will be split equally between the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. This move aims to support horse welfare and ensure safe horse racing in Ontario.
Moreover, to avoid any future accidents, Woodbine has agreed to implement several key improvements to their track maintenance plan. These improvements include hiring internationally recognized track safety experts for quarterly safety assessments, establishing a Track Surfaces Committee, increasing board-level supervision, and introducing new maintenance protocols and equipment.
It's worth noting that Woodbine already took initial steps to address the issue before the settlement, such as hiring a full-time track maintenance specialist and introducing an Integrated Racetrack Surface Tester. Furthermore, they renovated the track near the five-and-a-half furlong marker to improve drainage and consistency.
If Woodbine fails to comply with the terms of the settlement, they will face a $200,000 fine and possible additional regulatory actions.
On another note, the AGCO has also recently approved Fennica Gaming for a gaming supplier license. This digital gaming and lottery solutions company sees the Ontario license as a crucial part of its North American expansion plans. Fennica Gaming believes this license will allow it to offer its products to operators across Ontario, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy.
Woodbine Entertainment agreed to donate $200,000 to the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to support horse welfare and ensure safe horse racing in Ontario. As part of a settlement with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Woodbine has promised to implement improvements in their track maintenance plan. These improvements include hiring track safety experts, establishing a Track Surfaces Committee, increasing board-level supervision, and introducing new maintenance protocols and equipment. If Woodbine fails to comply with the terms of the settlement, they may face a $200,000 fine and additional regulatory actions. Meanwhile, Fennica Gaming, a digital gaming and lottery solutions company, received approval from the AGCO for a gaming supplier license, which it sees as a strategic move for its North American expansion plans.
