Horse Racing Appeal Panel
90 Sheppard Avenue East
Suite 300
Toronto ON M2N 0A4
Comité d’appel des courses de chevaux
90, avenue Sheppard Est
Bureau 300
Toronto ON M2N 0A4
HORSE RACING APPEAL PANEL
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 2, 2026
SB HRAP 05021 2026
NOTICE OF DECISION
IN THE MATTER OF THE HORSE RACING LICENCE ACT, S.O. 2015 C. 38 Sched. 9;
AND IN THE MATTER OF AN APPEAL BY MICHAEL HAMLIN OF
STANDARDBRED RULING NUMBER 3663678
Date of Issue:
June 2, 2026
Horse Racing Appeal Panel (Panel):
Stanley Sadinsky, K.C., Chair
Appellant:
Michael Hamlin
Decision:
The Panel grants the request for a stay, conditional upon the terms as set out below.
WHEREAS Michael Hamlin (“HAMLIN”) is licensed with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (“AGCO”) as a Trainer, Licence Number HP6A478;
WHEREAS on March 30, 2026, HAMLIN was the trainer of record for the horse, PLAY THE ACE that finished 8th in Race 4 at Western Fair Raceway;
AND WHEREAS ON April 2, 2026, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) received a Certificate of TCO2 Analysis from Racing Forensics Inc. of Test Tag number 49 26089 08, confirming total carbon dioxide (TCO2) at a concentration of 40.0 mmol/L;
AND WHEREAS HAMLIN was found to have violated Rules 22.38(b), 26.02.01, 26.02.02, and 26.02.03(d) of the Rules of Standardbred Racing (“RULES”) and in accordance with Rules 4.02(i), 6.04, and 22.38.06 of the RULES and Policy Directive No. 1-2018, HAMLIN is suspended for a period of 90 days to be served from May 9, 2026 to August 6, 2026, inclusive;
AND WHEREAS HAMLIN is also issued a monetary penalty of five thousand dollars ($5000.00);
AND WHEREAS HAMLIN is required to complete the AGCO Equine Medication Use and Awareness Program prior to reinstatement;
AND WHEREAS all horses owned in whole or in part by HAMLIN are not eligible to race during the above-noted suspension period, in accordance with Rule 6.13.01 of the Rules. Any horses trained by HAMLIN are ineligible to race but may, with the consent of the AGCO Race Officials, be released to another trainer in good standing or sold, in accordance with rule 26.08 of the Rules and Policy Directive No. 2-2008;
Any subsequent equine drug or TCO2 violation(s) by HAMLIN contrary to the Rules may result in the imposition of further monetary penalties, conditions, and/or suspensions and/or revocation of licence
AND WHEREAS in accordance with Rule 6.01(a) of the Rules, HAMLIN is prohibited from accessing association grounds, including the “Winner’s Circle”, with the exception of the grandstand, while his licence is suspended;
AND WHEREAS any subsequent equine drug or TCO2 violation(s) by HAMLIN contrary to the Rules may result in the imposition of further monetary penalties, conditions, and/or suspensions and/or revocation of licence;
AND WHEREAS in accordance with AGCO rules 9.13 and 18.08.01, “PLAY THE ACE” has been declared “disqualified” and all purse monies, driver fees and trainer’s fees are ordered returned to the Association for redistribution within fifteen (15) days of this ruling;
AND WHEREAS the revised order of finish shall be as set out in Standardbred Ruling 3663678;
AND WHEREAS on April 27, 2026, HAMLIN filed a Notice of Appeal and a Notice of Motion requesting a stay with the Panel;
AND WHEREAS the Registrar consented to the request for a stay, conditional upon the appeal hearing being scheduled no later than 60 days from the date of this Decision;
TAKE NOTICE that the Panel grants the motion for a stay, conditional upon the terms set out above.
DATED on this 2nd day of June, 2026.
Stanley Sadinsky, K.C., Chair
Horse Racing Appeal Panel