On August 18, 2009, the Ontario Harness Horse Association requested a hearing with respect to actions of the Woodbine Entertainment Group and the Central Ontario Standardbred Association

.

On September 24, 2009, WEG filed a notice of motion seeking an order that the Ontario Racing Commission has no jurisdiction to hear the matter and that the request for a hearing by OHHA be dismissed.

On October 2, 2009, a panel of the ORC consisting of chair Rod Seiling, vice-chair James Donnelly and commissioner Bernard Brennan, DVM, was convened to hear the motion.

Frank Roth appeared as counsel for OHHA. David McCutcheon appeared as counsel for WEG. Randy Bennett appeared as counsel for COSA. William McNamara appeared as counsel for Randy Bennett and Rueter Scargall Bennett LLP. Jennifer Friedman appeared as counsel for the administration of the ORC.

Upon considering submissions of OHHA, WEG, COSA, reviewing the exhibits filed, the panel rules as follows:

• i. WEG’s motion succeeds and the application by OHHA fails.

The panel’s reasons for decision can be read here.

(ORC)