At its meeting of Friday, December 18, 2009, the board of the Ontario Racing Commission approved changes to the Rules of Racing and the Rules of Procedure that

will result in improved access to the commission through the appeals process. The changes will come into effect January 1, 2010.

Licensees have the right to appeal all rulings issued by the judges or stewards for violations of the Rules of Racing. As indicated in the November 12, 2009 notice to the industry, the ORC board has been examining ways and means to both streamline and improve efficiencies in the licensee appeal process, while continuing to ensure due process.

Prior to these rule changes, where the fine was less than $500 or a suspension was less than 30 days, a hearing would be held before the Ontario Racing Industry Board of Appeal, which sat in two divisions – thoroughbred and standardbred. The decisions of the Board of Appeal were often appealed to a panel of the commission.

As of January 1, all appeals of decisions of the judges or stewards will go direct to the commission, comprised of one panel member or more as designated by the chair.

The following directives were issued and should be referenced:

• Standardbred Directive 6 – 2009
• Thoroughbred Directive 5 – 2009

(ORC)