On Wednesday, April 29, the Ontario Racing Commission released its ruling in regard to an appeal by trainer Colin Johnson.

The ORC release on the matter states that on March 2, commission judges at Woodbine Racetrack denied trainer transfer applications for six racehorses. Johnson appealed against the decision.

According to the release from the ORC, the issue in the case is ‘(i) Did the horse racing judges have the power and authority to deny the trainer transfer applications pursuant to Rule 26.08 of the Rules of Standardbred Racing, in these circumstances?’ The release states that the answer to that question is ‘(i) No, not in these circumstances.’

In explaining its ‘no’ answer, the ORC explained the following in its release. ‘(a) The power and authority of the judges to deny a trainer transfer application is found in Rule 26.08 of the Rules of Standardbred Racing.’ And ‘(b) Two conditions precedent must co-exist before the judges may employ this Rule: 1) the “trainer” must be “suspended”; and 2) the “horse” must be “trained by him” or “under his care.”’ The release goes on to state that ‘(c) The judges were not empowered to use this Rule because both of these essential requirements were not in existence at the same time.’

In its release, the ORC announced that it has decided to allow Johnson’s appeal. The ORC also announced that the denials of the trainer transfer applications have been set aside; and the trainer transfer applications, if requested by the Appellant, are approved for the following six horses: Mo Molly Blue Chip, Ainsley Noelle, Captive Audience, Freddie, Ill Stay Here, Moonwriter.

To view an official copy of the ORC release, click here.

(With files from the ORC)