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 – 103 against TRAINER, AUTHORIZED AGENT, MATHEW PATRICK 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 – 103 be AMENDED as follows:
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino at Edmonton International Airport in Alberta TRAINER, AUTHORIZED AGENT, MATHEW PATRICK HOWLETT, PERM. ADD.: WEST ST. PAUL, MANITOBA, CANADA, D.O.B. MAY 10, 2000, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 286(1); A person violates these rules who, in the opinion of the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing, if a person conducts themselves in a manner that is prejudicial to the best interest of horse racing; and HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 286(2), 286(3)(f) and 287(3)(a).
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the horse “THE GREAT CAPTAIN” was scratched from the first (1st) race by the HORSE RACING ALBERTA Official Veterinarian, Dr. Dale Gibson for “lameness”.
Mathew Howlett was directed by his father, the owner, to take “THE GREAT CAPTAIN” to the racetrack between races and go a training mile. Mathew Howlett was observed on the racetrack going a training mile with “THE GREAT CAPTAIN” by Dr. Gibson and other officials between races. This was done in front of the public and other racing participants. This was a blatant disregard for the Health and Welfare of “THE GREAT CAPTAIN”.
PENALTY: MATHEW HOWLETT is hereby SUSPENDED FROM ALL RACETRACKS IN ALBERTA (INCLUDING GRANDSTAND) UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF HORSE RACING ALBERTA FROM OCTOBER 6, 2026 UNTIL OCTOBER 6, 2027. MATHEW HOWLETT is also FINED THE SUM OF FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000.00).
In considering mitigating factors:
MATHEW HOWLETT’s Licence is SUSPENDED FROM OCTOBER 6, 2026 UNTIL JANUARY 6, 2027. The balance of this suspension will be STAYED providing he has no further occurrences regarding Animal Health and Welfare during the period of October 6, 2026 to October 6, 2027. MATHEW HOWLETT’S fine will be also be REDUCED TO ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) and Rule 297(2) the fine is to be paid within ten (10) days. If the find remains unpaid after ten (10) days, his licence will remain suspended until the fine is paid.
MATHEW HOWLETT must meet with the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing to apply 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 MATHEW HOWLETT or DONALD HOWLETT will be allowed at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino or in the grandstand.