The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has suspended Standardbred trainer Anthony Beaton’s license for two years. The organization recently information regarding Beaton that alleged he “engaged in conduct which compromised equine safety and/or welfare.”
The AGCO said it issued the suspension “in order to protect the integrity of horse racing in Ontario and prioritize the wellbeing and safety of horses.”
According to the findings from an AGCO inspection, Beaton “had excessively used a whip on a yearling he was training, thereby committing an act of cruelty and engaging in misconduct which is prejudicial to the best interest of racing, which are violations of the Rules of Standardbred Racing.”
Beaton can appeal the decision to the Horse Racing Appeal Panel (HRAP), under the rules of racing. The HRAP functions as an independent adjudicative body that is tasked with hearing decision appeals.
AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr commented, “The AGCO holds horse racing participants to the highest standards of conduct, particularly those responsible for the care and training of horses.
“The integrity of racing lies in safeguarding the health and welfare of horses and protecting the safety of individuals.”
In related news, AGCO’s Registrar recently fined Apollo Entertainment $100,000 for “violations of internet gaming responsible gambling standards.” The commission issued the company a Notice of Monetary Penalty, which outlined “multiple alleged violations of the responsible gambling provisions” laid out in the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
According to the notice, Apollo Entertainment was cited for “failing to conduct required interventions with players who may be experiencing gambling related harms.” The incident in question involved a player losing more than $2m in less than a four-month period without the gaming site operator offering any intervention.
The Commission also cited the company for “failing to implement an adequate voluntary self-exclusion program” and for “Failing to ensure their employees understood the importance of responsible gambling, including assisting players who may be experiencing gambling related harms.”
According to the AGCO, Apollo Entertainment has responded to the commission’s notice and has “already taken significant steps” to address the issues related to the notice.
