The Ontario Racing Commission today issued a ruling and fined Kawartha Downs $2,000 for noncompliance of the Rules of Standardbred Racing.

Below is the release issued by the ORC:

The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has fined Kawartha Downs $2,000 for noncompliance of Rule 7.16.02 of the Rules of Standardbred Racing.

The rule states that wagering funds received by a track for the purpose of purses be deposited to the horsemen's purse account within 10 days of receipt.

The ruling issued September 14, 2007 states that the racetrack operator benefited through interest earned or otherwise avoiding some form of financing costs on a number of late payments. The Executive Director of the ORC also ordered the operator to make restitution in the amount of $13,000 to the horsemen's purse account for interest on purse revenue that was not deposited into the account on a timely basis.

Kawartha has cooperated with the ORC in this matter and track management has indicated that it will not appeal this ruling.