On Friday, September 20, the Ontario Racing Commission issued a ruling which explained that it has fined the Hiawatha Horse Park an additional $1,500 (for filing a frivolous appeal) on top of an initial $5,000 fine levied to the track for not having sufficient funds in the purse account at a specified time.

“Standardbred Rule 7.16.02 requires a track to pay into its purse account the funds within specified time frames,” an ORC transcript read. “Mr. Henderson (operator of the Hiawatha Horse Park) admits there was a substantial under payment to the purse account at Hiawatha and he bears the responsibility. Therefore, he was in violation of Standardbred Rule 7.16.02. Mr. Henderson submitted the under payment was about $420,000.00.”

To read the ORC ruling in its entirety, click here.

(With files from the ORC)