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Information Bulletin No 93. – New Rules Restricting Certain Medications for Horses Participating in Workouts or Qualifiers in Effect on January 1, 2024

December 5, 2023

As part of its continued commitment to protect Ontario racehorses and strengthen the integrity of racing, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) introduced changes to the Rules of Racing on June 5, 2023 to promote the welfare of equine athletes.

After continued consultations with industry stakeholders, the AGCO paused implementation of TB 15.40.01 and SB 6.54.01, which restrict certain medications for horses participating in Official Workouts or Qualifiers, on August 4, 2023.

Starting January 1, 2024, rules TB 15.40.01 and SB 6.54.01 will take effect.

Horses participating in Workouts and Qualifiers must not test positive for any substance that is a corticosteroid, analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or local anaesthetic (anesthetic) including, but not limited to, substances that have a Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) Elimination Guideline. The regulated medications can mask pain associated with injuries and/or have been linked to an increased risk of injuries and fatalities. In line with our continued focus on equine welfare, the implementation of these rules aims to protect horses and ensure they are only training at high speeds when they are well enough to do so.

Supporting Guidance Documents

The AGCO committed to providing additional guidance ahead of the effective date. The below information aims to provide licensees more clarity about the new requirements:

Licensees can also submit specific questions about the new rule requirements using our iAGCO portal

Changes to the Thoroughbred Rules of Racing


As of January 1, 2024, new rule being added in Chapter 15: Misconduct, Needles, Syringes and Searches, of the Thoroughbred Rules of Racing stating:

15.40.01 No horse participating in a workout shall test positive for any substance that is a corticosteroid, analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or local anaesthetic, including but not limited to, those substances that Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency has listed an Elimination Guideline.