A. Brief Description of the Issue
Rule 162t currently prohibits carrying over a cancelled program and requires it to be redrawn. We propose an
amendment to allow a cancelled card to be carried over and run in its original form within forty-eight (48)
hours without requiring a redraw.
B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
Problem/Concern: The current prohibition against carrying over a cancelled program forces redraws
even when the card could still be run as drawn within a short period of time. This creates unnecessary
administrative work, scheduling challenges, and disruptions for horsemen and bettors.
Who does the issue affect?
Owners, trainers, jockeys, racetrack operators, wagering providers, and HRA.
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
162t(2) — “If a racing program or any portion of the program is cancelled for any reason, the overnight
events are not to be run off at a later date...”
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
Permit a cancelled program to be carried over in its entirety for up to 48 hours and run as originally drawn,
provided it is rescheduled within that timeframe.
How will the solution fix the problem?
Reduces unnecessary redraws, preserves fairness for horsemen who entered under the original conditions,
and provides racetracks with flexibility to maintain scheduled races.
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
Benefits: More efficient scheduling, fewer redraws, greater stability for stakeholders, better chance to meet
performance targets, continuity for wagering.
Possible drawbacks: Potential for some horses to scratch if unavailable within 48 hours; minor adjustments
required for wagering/broadcast systems.
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
Allow a cancelled card to be carried over up to 48 hours after a cancellation has occurred.
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
none
D. Please identify any affected stakeholder groups that expressed support or opposition.
(These stakeholders may include the racetracks, breed registries, owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, or others.)
For those stakeholder groups that have expressed an opinion, please list the points on which they agree or disagree, and the arguments they have expressed.
Are there any affected stakeholder groups that have not been consulted on this proposal?
Please attach any formal letters of support or opposition by stakeholder groups. Files must be .pdf, .doc, .docx, or .txt format and under 3072k for the system to accept the submission. You can add a maximum of 3 attachments.
E. Attach the rule language you are proposing. Please show new language in a new paragraph below the current wording. If you are proposing that current rule language be eliminated, please indicate the text to be deleted with [delete: sample deleted copy]
“If a racing program or any portion of the program is cancelled for any reason it will be eligible to be
carried over and contested within forty-eight (48) hours of the originally scheduled program without requiring a
redraw. If the program is not run within forty-eight (48) hours, the overnight events must be redrawn. A
sweepstakes on the cancelled program may also be run at a later date.
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
Woodbine (Ontario): In cases of weather-related cancellations, Woodbine has carried over the original card
to the following day or within 48 hours, maintaining the original draw. The system is well-accepted by
horsemen and wagering platforms, provided that notification is made promptly.
Hastings Racecourse (British Columbia): Hastings has a long-standing practice of carrying over cancelled
cards when extreme weather (heavy rain, air quality, or safety concerns) interrupts racing. These cards are
typically rescheduled intact within a short window, preserving field sizes and wagering interest.
Assiniboia Downs (Manitoba): When extreme weather leads to cancellation, Assiniboia Downs has at times
carried over the original entries to the next available racing day, avoiding the disruption of redrawing entire
programs.
United States Examples:
New York Racing Association (NYRA): Aqueduct and Saratoga have rescheduled entire cancelled cards
intact within 24–48 hours when extreme weather forced cancellation, with the approval of the New York
State Gaming Commission.
Maryland Jockey Club (Laurel/Pimlico): Cancellations due to weather have been carried over intact with the
same draw, maintaining integrity and fairness for stakeholders.
G. Review the Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta and identify any other Rules this change would affect and submit proposed amendments to those rules to comply with changes that would be made by this proposal.
none
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