In order to protect the integrity of horse racing in Ontario and prioritize the wellbeing and safety of horses, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has suspended the licence of Standardbred trainer Anthony Beaton for two years.

On Oct.13, 2023, the AGCO received information that Mr. Beaton had engaged in conduct which compromised equine safety and/or welfare. The AGCO subsequently immediately suspended Mr. Beaton’s horseperson licence pending a final determination of his eligibility for a licence.

Information obtained over the course of an AGCO inspection revealed that Mr. Beaton had excessively used a whip on a yearling he was training, thereby committing an act of cruelty and engaging in misconduct which is prejudicial to the best interest of racing, which are violations of the Rules of Standardbred Racing. Mr. Beaton’s horseperson licence has now been fully suspended for two years, from Oct. 13, 2023 to Oct. 12, 2025.

A licensed horse racing participant issued a Ruling under the Rules of Racing has the right to appeal the AGCO’s action to the Horse Racing Appeal Panel (HRAP), which is an independent adjudicative body mandated to hear appeals of decisions.

“The AGCO holds horse racing participants to the highest standards of conduct, particularly those responsible for the care and training of horses," said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the AGCO. "The integrity of racing lies in safeguarding the health and welfare of horses and protecting the safety of individuals.”

The AGCO has taken this regulatory action for violations of Rules 6.20(b) and 6.22 of the Rules of Standardbred Racing.

(AGCO)