A. Brief Description of the Issue
Unprofessional and improper conduct among horsemen at Alberta racetracks has reached unacceptable levels. The current rulebook lacks the necessary provisions for the regulatory body to take swift and decisive action.
B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
The regulatory body must be empowered to take immediate and decisive action, including disciplinary measures or removal from the premises, in response to conduct that disrupts the peace, displays obnoxious or unprofessional behavior, or involves verbal abuse, physical or sexual misconduct, or discrimination.
Who does the issue affect?
All licensees, racetracks, and associations in Alberta
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
286g
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
The proposal empowers the regulatory body to take immediate and decisive action in response to unprofessional or abusive conduct.
This solution fills a critical gap in the current rulebook, which lacks provisions for swift intervention. By enabling regulators to act immediately, the proposal:
• Prevents further disruption or harm
• Protects the safety and integrity of the racing environment
• Sends a strong message that misconduct will not be tolerated
• Supports a respectful and professional culture across the industry
It aligns Alberta with best practices in other jurisdictions such as HISA (U.S.), New Mexico, and ARCI, where provisional suspensions and summary disciplinary actions are already in place to safeguard the sport.
How will the solution fix the problem?
The implementation of clear and immediate sanctions against horsemen for misconduct will send a strong message that such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Currently, horsemen who engage in misconduct are allowed to continue participating in daily activities and racing until their hearing with the judges or stewards—often delayed by several days. This lack of immediate consequences not only undermines the seriousness of disciplinary action but also creates a disruptive and unsafe environment for other participants, regulatory staff, and others.
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
Empowering the regulatory body to take immediate disciplinary action will have a significant and positive impact across all stakeholder groups:
• Horsemen: Clear and immediate consequences for misconduct will promote accountability and professionalism. It will deter inappropriate behavior and foster a safer, more respectful environment for all participants.
• Racetrack Operators: Enhanced authority for regulators will help maintain order and protect the integrity of racing events, reducing disruptions and potential liabilities.
• Regulatory Staff: Immediate enforcement capabilities will support staff in maintaining a safe and respectful working environment, improving morale and operational efficiency.
• Associations and other Stakeholders: A stronger disciplinary framework will reinforce the credibility of the sport and demonstrate a commitment to upholding high standards of conduct.
• Spectators and the Public: A well-regulated and respectful racing environment enhances the public perception of the sport, encouraging attendance and community support.
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
Implementing immediate and decisive disciplinary measures for misconduct will yield lasting positive outcomes across the Alberta horse racing industry:
• Horsemen: A culture of accountability and professionalism will be reinforced, leading to improved behavior, stronger peer respect, and a safer working environment. Over time, this will elevate the reputation of horsemen and enhance career sustainability.
• Racetrack Operators: Consistent enforcement of conduct standards will reduce incidents that disrupt operations or pose liability risks. This stability will improve the overall management of events and attract higher-quality participants and sponsors.
• Regulatory Staff: Empowering officials to act swiftly will reduce workplace stress and conflict, leading to better job satisfaction, retention, and operational efficiency. It also strengthens the authority and credibility of the regulatory body.
• Associations and Stakeholders: A robust disciplinary framework will demonstrate a commitment to integrity and safety, enhancing trust and stakeholder confidence in the sport’s governance.
• Spectators and the Public: A respectful and well-managed racing environment will improve the spectator experience, boost public perception, and encourage greater community engagement and attendance, contributing to the sport’s growth and sustainability.
• Future Hires and Industry Entrants: A clearly enforced code of conduct will attract individuals who value professionalism and safety. It will help establish a positive reputation for the industry, making it more appealing to skilled newcomers and reducing turnover caused by toxic or unsafe environments.
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
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?
The following have sent support:
ACTRA is also in support of this petition - President Lynette Braun
HBPA supports this petition - Executive Director Mike Vanin
ASHA supports this petition - Executive Director Nancy Retzlaf
CTHS is also in support of this - Manager Dawson Guhle
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]
E. Rule Language:
Proposed Rule Language: Immediate Disciplinary Authority for Misconduct
Rule Number:
All licensees shall conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and orderly manner while on the grounds of any licensed racetrack or during any racing-related activity under the jurisdiction of Horse Racing Alberta.
(1) Any licensee found to be engaging in past or present conduct deemed disruptive, unprofessional, or abusive including but not limited to:
• Verbal abuse, physical or sexual misconduct, or discrimination
• Behavior that disturbs the peace or safety of others
• Use profane, obscene, or threatening language;
• Engage in harassment, intimidation, or abusive behaviour;
• Interfere with the duties of racing officials or security investigators
• Engage in conduct detrimental to the integrity, reputation, or orderly conduct of racing;
may be subject to immediate disciplinary action by Horse Racing Alberta.
(2) Upon reasonable grounds, the Director of Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing, Judges, Stewards, or authorized Security Investigators may:
• Issue a temporary suspension of the licensee’s privileges.
• Remove the licensee from the racetrack premises.
• Restrict access to racing-related activities pending a formal hearing.
• Impost conditions on the license, such as mandatory training, restricted access, or probationary status.
(3) Such actions may be taken prior to a formal hearing if the conduct poses a risk to the safety, integrity, or orderly operation of the racing environment.
(4) A formal hearing shall be scheduled within a reasonable timeframe, not exceeding five (5) business days, to determine further sanctions or reinstatement.
(5) All disciplinary actions taken under this rule must be documented and reported to the Judges/Stewards Board and the Horse Racing Alberta regulatory office.
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
. United States – Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA)
HISA rules are currently enforced at 41 racetracks across 19 U.S. states. These rules include provisions for provisional suspensions and immediate disciplinary actions for conduct that threatens the integrity or safety of the sport.
• Under ADMC Rule 3229(a), any "Covered Person" (e.g., trainer, jockey) who violates rules—such as through doping or misconduct—may be provisionally suspended and barred from participating in racing activities until a formal hearing is held.
• These suspensions are not a determination of guilt but are used to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure safety.
2. New Mexico – Administrative Code § 15.2.1.9
The New Mexico Racing Commission allows for summary suspension of a licensee if their actions pose an immediate danger to public health, safety, integrity, or welfare of the horseracing industry.
• The stewards may suspend a license immediately, pending a hearing within 10 days.
• This rule is designed to prevent further harm or disruption while ensuring due process.
AGCO Standardbred Chapter 6: Violations Penalties, and Expulsions
6.01 The Judges may impose any or all of the following penalties for conduct prejudicial to the best interests of racing, or for violation of the Rules:
a. Refuse a person admission to the grounds of an Association;
b. Expel a person from the grounds of an Association;
c. Impose a monetary penalty, suspension or both; or
d. Impose conditions on a licence.
The Stewards shall take any action they deem necessary, including the warning of or ordering the ejection from the grounds of all persons who, by reason of past or present conduct would be regarded as objectionable should they find such person has in any manner or at any time:
a. Disturbed the peace;
b. Made themselves obnoxious on the grounds of any Association;
c. Shown disrespect by word or action to any official of racing;
d. Falsified, misrepresented or omitted required information on a licence application. The Racing Association shall enforce such an order.
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.
286 g Conduct prejudicial to the best interests of horse racing
A person *violates these rules who,
(a) in the opinion of the *judges/stewards board, conducts themselves in a manner
prejudicial to the best interest of *horse racing, or
(b) does not comply with these or any *other rules.
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