The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario recently issued a warm weather alert, as temperatures in the province spiked heading into the month of July. Official veterinarians and racing officials at all racetracks have been asked to remind all participants to take the necessary steps to protect the horse in warm weather conditions.

The health and welfare of the horse is of paramount concern to the AGCO and to members of the racing community. An effort to monitor weather conditions and how it will impact the racehorse is in keeping with this mandate.

Dr. Adam Chambers, AGCO Senior Manager of Veterinary Services, suggests that any concerns about weather conditions impacting racing should be shared with horsepeople representatives, racing officials, track management and the Official Veterinarian.

Dr. Chambers has pointed out that in January 2018, the AGCO released a series of Directives and Rule changes on weather conditions impacting racing. These changes were developed following consultation with Ontario’s horse racing industry.

This page provides more information on temperature guidelines and the racing cancellation process.

(With files from the AGCO)