On Wednesday, September 12, the Ontario Racing Commission released a total of nine rulings, five of which pertained to the provincial standardbred racing industry.

The ORC allowed an appeal by owner/trainer Hannah Beckett in regard to a placing of her horse, Rubaiyat, after a July 13, 2012 contest at Woodstock Raceway. Rubaiyat had been placed third, but the ORC ruling means that she now officially finished second. To view a copy of the official ORC release on the matter, click here.

Horseman Aaron Byron is in the process of appealing a 10-day driving suspension for allegedly bearing in and causing an accident at Flamboro Downs on July 1, 2012. On August 28, 2012, an ORC Panel convened to deal with the matter. Byron requested an adjournment to obtain further exhibits. The panel granted a continuance of the hearing to be rescheduled for September 13, 2012. To view a copy of the official ORC release on the matter, click here.

The ORC denied an appeal from horseman Stephane Gendron, who was appealing a $500 fine and 15-day driving suspension for aggressive use of the whip during a May 4 race at Rideau Carleton Raceway. To view a copy of the official ORC release on the matter, click here.

The ORC also ruled on an appeal by licensee Martin O'Toole, who was appealing an owner's suspension. The ORC ruled that O'Toole be given a stay of his owner’s suspension for six months, and that the matter would come back to be assessed by an ORC panel in six months. To view a copy of the official ORC release on the matter, click here.

The ORC also ruled on horseman Donald Rankin Jr.'s appeal of a $1,500 fine, 60-day full suspension, and conditions being placed on his license in relation to a TCO2 positive from the horse Mythic Art. The ORC ruled that: the remaining 16 days of the 60-day suspension shall be stayed; that should Rankin engage in any drug offence involving the Racing Commission Act over the next two years, the stay will automatically expire and the 16 days shall be applied to any subsequent penalty; the fine of $1,500 is confirmed; The two-year probation is confirmed, and the two-year probation shall begin immediately. To view a copy of the official ORC release on the matter, click here.