The recently passed Horse Racing Licence Act, 2015 will cause a significant change in the way appeals of horse racing decisions are adjudicated in Ontario.
In particular, the legislation calls for the creation of a new tribunal, called the Horse Racing Appeal Panel (HRAP), which will be mandated to hear appeals of decisions made under the Rules of Racing. Meanwhile, the adjudicative responsibility for licensing appeals, including the granting, renewal, suspension or revocation of licences will now be transferred to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).
Beginning April 1, 2016, the HRAP will conduct hearings independently and at arm’s-length from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The appointments process for Panel membership will be an open, transparent, and competitive process conducted by the AGCO Board of Directors. It is an expectation that all members will have knowledge of, or experience in, the horse racing industry in addition to other professional competencies.
The Panel will consist of at least five part-time members, including the Chair and Vice-Chair. Cases will involve non-licensing related appeals of decisions (including in-race violations, positive test cases, etc.) made by racing Judges and Stewards. (For more information on the Rules of Racing, please visit the following link: ORC Rules of Racing)
The newly-formed Horse Racing Appeal Panel will be a central component of a new adjudication model for Ontario’s horse racing industry promoting effective and independent regulation to uphold public confidence in the honesty and integrity of horse racing in the province.
For further details about the panel or for any general application inquiries, please contact Scott Berry, Manager of Board Relations at the AGCO.
Links to Panel participant descriptions:
(with files from AGCO)