John Walzak

Sudbury Downs Raceway appealed an order by the Executive Director requiring it to reschedule three race dates that were lost due to a labour dispute with unionized employees.

The Ontario Racing Commission Panel heard submissions from various stakeholders and dismissed the appeal, upholding the Executive Director's order.

Written reasons were to follow.

The applicant requested a hearing after his nominations for several horse racing events were rejected by the Woodbine Entertainment Group for being postmarked after the deadline.

The applicant argued that the delay was due to a snowstorm and postal issues.

The Ontario Racing Commission found it had jurisdiction to hear the matter but declined to waive the breach of the postmark rule, emphasizing the need for objectivity and certainty in the nomination process.

The nominations were not accepted.