Sandra Meyrick

The appellant, whose licence was previously suspended, applied for a reinstatement hearing before the Ontario Racing Commission.

The panel adjourned the hearing to a later date to allow for the receipt of the appellant's latest test result, maintaining the suspension of his access to Ajax Downs and Woodbine in the interim.

The appellant, a harness racing driver, appealed a track judges' ruling that suspended him for three days for interference during a race.

The track judges found that the appellant moved out and interfered with another horse, and was not forced out by the horse inside of him.

The Ontario Racing Commission panel upheld the finding of interference, concluding that the Administration met its burden of proof.

However, considering the appellant's motivation to avoid an accident, his openness, and the fact that he had already lost drives as a consequence, the panel stayed the three-day suspension.

The appellant, a horse trainer, appealed a $750 fine and six-month probation period imposed for violating racing rules during a truck and trailer search.

An investigator observed the appellant placing items from his glove box into his pocket and refusing to be searched.

The Ontario Racing Commission dismissed the appeal, finding that the penalty was appropriate given the circumstances and the appellant's remorse.

The appellant, a long-time Clerk of the Scales for the Woodbine Entertainment Group, appealed a Notice of Proposed Order refusing to issue him a racing official licence.

The Ontario Racing Commission investigated allegations that the appellant failed to follow proper breathalyzer testing protocols for jockeys and accepted cash payments from jockeys.

The panel found that the appellant failed to adhere to breathalyzer protocols and that accepting payments from jockeys compromised the integrity of his position.

The appeal was denied, and the refusal to issue the licence was upheld.

The appellant, a horse trainer, appealed a penalty imposed after a horse she trained tested positive for a prohibited drug (Levamisole).

The appellant argued she acquired the horse shortly before the race and the drug may have been administered by the previous owner.

The Ontario Racing Commission held that the absolute liability trainer responsibility rule applies regardless of when the drug was administered.

The Commission found the appellant failed to establish due diligence because she did not make reasonable inquiries about the horse's history or medical treatment upon acquiring it.

However, considering mitigating factors, the Commission varied the penalty to a $1,500 fine, a one-year suspension (with 11 months stayed), and two years of probation.

The appellant, a licensed owner, trainer, and driver, appealed a 45-day suspension and $2,500 fine imposed after his horse tested positive for TCO2.

The appellant argued the test was invalid because the veterinary technician who administered it had an expired licence.

The Ontario Racing Commission denied the appeal, finding that the technician's expired licence was a technical error that did not invalidate the test results or her qualifications.

The Commission also found no compelling evidence to further vary the penalty, noting the appellant's responsibility as a trainer for the horse's condition.

The appellant appealed against the Director's Notice of Proposed Order to Refuse to Issue a Licence.

The appellant failed to appear at the scheduled hearing before the Ontario Racing Commission.

Consequently, the appeal was dismissed.