Standardbred Canada (SC) has announced the development and launch of its Electronic Equipment Card (EEC) program, set to begin on Nov. 1, 2025. This program will initially go live at select Ontario tracks: Flamboro Downs, The Raceway at Western Fair District, Rideau Carleton Raceway and Woodbine Mohawk Park. The EEC program will then expand to other tracks as their racing meets commence in 2026, ensuring a comprehensive and smooth rollout.

This initiative, which first debuted in the Maritimes in 2010 and had a soft launch in Alberta last year, has been reviewed and enthusiastically supported by officials at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for its implementation in Ontario.

The primary goal of the EEC program is to enhance compliance and streamline operations. It offers an innovative system that provides Racing Officials with quick and easy access to crucial equipment information, eliminating the need for physical cards. The program will generate detailed reports for horses scheduled to race, improving accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, it will enable the instantaneous creation of electronic equipment cards, which will be particularly valuable for new owners and trainers — especially after a horse is claimed — once the information has been entered.

Initially, only changes to a horse's equipment need to be reported. Once entered, the equipment will remain with the horse from race to race until another change is made.  With this new program, trainers will be able to inform the Paddock Judges at the initial four participating tracks, where the information will be stored electronically. Equipment changes must be submitted at least one hour before post time for the first race.

Following successful implementation in Ontario, further enhancements to the program are already being planned for 2026.

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)