Calling the increased amount of catastrophic injuries at Woodbine over the last month a “serious concern…and a threat to the long-term sustainability of the industry”, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario ruled Saturday that horses may not race if they have raced within the last 14 days or had a joint injection during that same time frame.

In its ruling, the AGCO cites 15 musculoskeletal injuries of horses at Woodbine, including nine that led to euthanasia. These include two in the last two days, both in seven-furlong maiden claiming sprints on the Tapeta: Speight Rasees in Thursday’s fourth race and Mad Chatter in Friday’s opener. Equibase charts for both races detail that the horse was taken off the course in an equine ambulance, though Woodbine Communications confirmed on X that both horses had been euthanized.

Those nine fatalities include six since Nov. 9, the day when two horses were fatally injured and racing was canceled not only for the rest of that day, but for the following day’s card as well.

According to a news release from Woodbine on Nov. 21, Woodbine brought in staff from Tapeta Footings, the track supplier, to review the conditions. “The review found the track required maintenance to restore its evenness, consistency, bounce and cushion. Extensive maintenance was conducted on Nov. 10, including rototilling to a depth of five inches, followed by power harrowing and a gallop master treatment to ensure a consistent surface.” The release also stated that Woodbine extended morning training hours to add a harrow break, and that the track continued to work with Tapeta Footings as well as former Golden Gate Fields track superintendent Juan Meza for track maintenance support.

In addition to the entry rules, the AGCO also mandated Saturday that an official veterinarian observe horses during morning training. Furthermore, horses on the veterinarian’s list may not work off the list without a signed statement from the trainer and a private veterinarian stating that they have observed the horse jogging within 48 hours before the work and attest that the horse is fit and sound. An official veterinarian must also examine the horse before they can work off the veterinarian’s list.