RULING NUMBER COM TB 006/2012
COMMISSION HEARING TORONTO, ONTARIO – JULY 31, 2012
IN THE MATTER OF THE RACING COMMISSION ACT S.O. 2000, c.20;
AND IN THE MATTER OF THE APPEAL AND REQUEST FOR HEARING OF THOROUGHBRED LICENSEE FRANCOIS BELANGER
On August 4, 2000, the Director of the Ontario Racing Commission (“ORC”) issued Ruling TB 10/2000 further to an ORC Panel hearing in relation to Thoroughbred Jockey Francois (Frank) Belanger (“BELANGER”). The Panel ordered that BELANGER was required to appear before the Commission to have his jockey’s licence reinstated, which reinstatement was contingent upon satisfaction of the following conditions:
a) show that he has approval of the Starter;
b) provide three witnesses who are trainers and who are prepared to ride Mr. Belanger on a consistent basis if he secured his jockey’s licence;
c) provide three witnesses who are members of the Jockey’s Guild, in good standing, who can comment on his capabilities as a Jockey.
On May 3, 2012, BELANGER submitted an Application for an ORC licence as a Thoroughbred Jockey.
On July 11, 2012, BELANGER submitted a Notice of Appeal in connection with Ruling TB 10/2000 on the following grounds: “I have fulfilled the requirement of Commission Ruling 10/2000. I respectfully request a reinstatement of my jockey’s licence.”
On July 12, 2012, a Notice of Hearing was issued advising that a Hearing would be held on July 31, 2012.
On July 31, 2012, a Panel of the ORC consisting of Chair Rod Seiling was convened to hear this matter.
BELANGER attended on his own behalf. Jennifer Friedman appeared as counsel for the Administration of the ORC
Upon considering the exhibits filed and hearing the submissions of BELANGER and counsel, the Panel granted BELANGER a jockey’s licence for Quarter Horse racing.
A transcript of the Panel’s Oral Decision is attached to this Ruling.
DATED at Toronto this 1st day of August 2012.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSION ____________________________
John L. Blakney
Executive Director
ONTARIO RACING COMMISSION
THOROUGHBRED HEARING
IN THE MATTER OF AN APPEAL AND REQUEST FOR HEARING OF FRANCOIS BELANGER
Held Before:
Rod Seiling, Chairman
These are an excerpt of the proceedings in the above mentioned matter held before The Ontario Racing Commission, Re: FRANCOIS BELANGER, taken before Toronto Court Reporters, Suite 1410, 65 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, at 10 Carlson Court, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario, on the 31st day of July, 2012.
Appearances:
Jennifer Friedman,
for the Ontario Racing Commission Administration
Hearing continued ...
MR. CHAIRMAN: After considering what is put before me today and reading the documentation I'm prepared to grant Mr. Belanger his license to ride in the quarter horse meet. So I'm prepared to give you your jockey's license for quarter horse racing only at this point in time.
MR. BELANGER: All right. That means I need to reappear to ride thoroughbred?
MR. CHAIRMAN: I would suggest that you continue to talk to Mr. Fernandes but all I'm prepared to go for at this point in time is your quarter horse jockey's license.
MR. BELANGER: Okay.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Anything else? If not, we are dismissed. Thank you, adjourned.
CERTIFIED CORRECT_________________________________
RAYMOND P. MACDONALD, B.A., CVR
Commissioner of Oaths