MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, Alberta, Canada - October 4, 2026
On Friday, October 2, 2026, the Board of Judges issued HORSE RACING ALBERTA Ruling 2026 – 101 against OWNER, DRIVER, DONALD EDWARD HOWLETT, regarding an indefinite suspension pending a review by the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing, Chuck Ibey. It is ordered by the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing, that HORSE RACING ALBERTA Harness Ruling 2026 – 101 be AMENDED as follows:
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, OWNER, DRIVER, DONALD EDWARD HOWLETT, PERM. ADD.: WEST ST. PAUL, MANITOBA, CANADA, D.O.B. AUGUST 13, 1968, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 286(1)(a) at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino located at the Edmonton International Airport in Alberta; A person violates these rules who, in the opinion of the judges/stewards board, conducts themselves in a manner prejudicial to the best interest of horse racing, and HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 286(2), 286(3)(a)(d)(e)(f) and 287(3)(a).
DONALD HOWLETT upon learning his horse “THE GREAT CAPTAIN” was scratched from the first race by the HORSE RACING ALBERTA Official Veterinarian, Dr. Dale Gibson, sought out and argued with Dr. Gibson regarding his horse being scratched. This interfered with duties of Dr. Gibson in observing other horses on the track.
DONALD HOWLETT later instructed his son, MATHEW HOWLETT, the trainer of “THE GREAT CAPTAIN” to take the said horse and train it between races. “THE GREAT CAPTAIN” was observed and identified on the track by Dr. Gibson and other officials. This was done in front of other racing participants and the public. This was done despite the horse being scratched due to lameness by Dr. Gibson. This is a blatant disregard for the health and welfare of the horse “THE GREAT CAPTAIN” and the decision by Dr. Gibson that the horse was too lame to participate on September 26, 2026.
PENALTY: DONALD HOWLETT’S Owner, Driver Licence is hereby SUSPENDED FROM OCTOBER 6, 2026 FROM ALL RACETRACKS IN ALBERTA (INCLUDING GRANDSTAND) UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF HORSE RACING ALBERTA AND WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO APPLY FOR A HORSE RACING ALBERTA LICENCE UNTIL OCTOBER 6, 2027. DONALD HOWLETT is also FINED THE SUM OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00).
In consideration of the mitigating factor that DONALD HOWLETT has not had any other occurrence related to his Conduct or Animal Health and Welfare, he will be SUSPENDED FROM OCTOBER 6, 2026 TO APRIL 6, 2027 with the balance of his suspension STAYED pending no further incidents of Animal Health and Welfare until October 6, 2027. His fine will also be REDUCED TO $2,500.00.
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) and 297(2) the fine is to be paid within ten (10) days. If the fine remains unpaid after ten (10) days, his licence will remain suspended until the fine is paid.
DONALD HOWLETT must meet with the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing at the time of applying for a licence in 2027.
Note: All horses presently entered to race on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 race card will be allowed to race. Neither DONALD HOWLETT or MATHEW HOWLETT will be allowed at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino or in the grandstand.