Ontario Racing Commission chair Rod Seiling today announced that the honourable James M. Donnelly has been reappointed by the government of Ontario
as vice chair of the ORC for a period of three years, effective February 7, 2009.
As well, Brenda Walker, who has served as a commissioner since 2003, was re-appointed for a two-year term, effective on February 3, 2009.
Donnelly was appointed vice chair in February 2007. He is well known in south western Ontario for his support and involvement in standardbred racing. Donnelly served as an Ontario Superior Court judge from 1985 to 2005. In that capacity, he served on the Divisional Court dealing with judicial review applications relating to the Ontario Racing Commission and other provincial regulatory boards.
“We’re pleased to have Jim Donnelly as our vice chair,” said Seiling. “His judicial experience and extensive knowledge of the racing community is a considerable asset to the ORC.”
Brenda Walker has been involved in the horse racing community for over 30 years. A former director of the Ontario Harness Horse Association, she was heavily involved in the Ontario Sires Stakes Program and the Horse Improvement Program.
“Her experience and local connections are great assets to the ORC,” said Seiling. “We look forward to broadening and further reaching out to the racing community, as we continue our efforts to upgrade what is already a ‘best practice’ regulatory system.”
(ORC)