ORC Rules On Houses' Appeals

Published: December 22, 2009 04:11 pm EST

The Ontario Racing Commission has ruled on the appeal and request for hearing of Kerry and Shirley House. The appeal was filed after the owners were both fined $17,343.50 after racing a horse outside of province within

60 days of claim.

The horse in question was no run of the mill horse.

The Houses had claimed All The Weapons at Mohawk Racetrack on July 3, 2009. The horse then raced in a Gold Cup & Saucer trial on August 17 at the Charlottetown Driving Park, thus violating ORC rule 15:09a, which stipulates:

15.09. A claimed horse, regard less of ownership:
(a) shall race only at a track or tracks in the Province of Ontario for the next 60 days, except where such a horse had been nominated to participate in an added money event before it was claimed, or unless the track where the horse was claimed is closing for more than 30 days. If the track where the horse was claimed closes for more than 30 days, the horse is released from the requirements of 15.09 (a).

All The Weapons would go on to win the Gold Cup & Saucer August 22 at CDP.

In its ruling, the ORC fined the Houses each $17,343.50. The combined sum worked out to $34,687, the same amount of purses earned by All The Weapons in winning the trial and final of the Gold Cup & Saucer.

In regard to the appeal, the ORC ruled that:

  • i) The penalty provision is clear for a violation of 15.09 (a), it is 10% of the claiming price or 100% of the purse for each race, whichever is greater.
  • ii) The appeal is denied but the penalty is varied. Kerry House’s fine is set at $8,671.75. Shirley House’s fine is set at the same amount, $8,671.75.

To view the ORC ruling in its entirety, which includes reasons for decision, click here.

(With files from the ORC)

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