AGCO reaches settlement with Woodbine Entertainment

The company was investigated for equine incidents last year
Key Points
- Several horses were injured last fall
- Ten animals were euthanized as a result
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and Woodbine Entertainment have reached a settlement agreement after an investigation into equine injury incidents last fall.
The regulator said in a statement, “The AGCO is committed to ensuring safe horse racing in Ontario. In line with that commitment, Woodbine has agreed to a set of enforceable actions aimed at improving track maintenance practices and protecting the welfare of racehorses competing at Woodbine.”
AGCO’s investigation discovered “Woodbine’s 2024 track maintenance practices were inadequate and inconsistent with manufacturer guidelines.”
Last fall, several thoroughbred racehorses “sustained injuries while racing and training on Woodbine’s all-weather Tapeta surface.” Ten of those injuries resulted in euthanasia, according to the regulator’s findings.
Per the settlement agreement, Woodbine is not contesting any findings from AGCO’s investigation, but “reserves other rights.”
According to the finalized settlement, the company will donate $200,000 “to support equine aftercare and welfare in Ontario, with equal contributions to the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.”
Noncompliance with measures outlined in the agreement will result in a $200,000 fine and “in regulatory measures being taken by AGCO.”
In other regulatory news, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario recently approved digital gaming and lottery solutions company Fennica Gaming for a gaming supplier license in the Canadian province.
The company said this is milestone and “marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy.”
Having a license in Ontario will pave the way for Fennica Gaming to bring its gaming experiences to North American operators.
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