MacDonald's License Downgraded
The Ontario Racing Commission has downgraded the trainer's license of Anthony MacDonald from Category 'A' to Category 'F' for a two-year probationary period. Trot Insider has received clarification from an ORC official
as to what the ruling entails.
According to Standardbred Canada's fines and suspensions list, MacDonald also received a $5,000 fine stemming from a 'failure to have written owner/trainer agreement violation of rules of standardbred racing with regards to case file #08-342 concerning business relationship between trainer/owner.'
"The situation stems from an owners complaint between MacDonald and an ex-owner," senior ORC judge Chuck Fraleigh explained to Trot Insider.
Fraleigh said that the license degradation is not commonly seen in Ontario. With the downgraded license status, Fraleigh explained that MacDonald can now only train horses for members of his immediate family.
Fraleigh also told Trot Insider that MacDonald has appealed the ruling.
He hasn't been down as
He hasn't been down as trainer on a pari-mutual starter since 2007. What exactly does this do to him? Hurt his pride? Damage his reputation? Impact his legacy to the sport? This situation has a big odour to it. I guess I don't buy any horses for Anthony to train or drive.