A. Brief Description of the Issue
We have a number of the QH jockeys that are having a problem with the current weight restrictions.
B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
Key Concerns include: Recently (August 14), we lost jockeys due to the current weight restrictions. One jockey passed out in the Casino due to reducing. The jockeys we currently have are exceptional and we would like to not lose anymore.
Who does the issue affect?
The issue affects all trainers and owners as we do not currently have enough jockeys to complete the riding card.
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
HRA rule is jockeys cannot weigh more than 130 lbs to ride.
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
The rule change would allow us to have enough QH riders for the races and possible attract more riders to up our jockey population.
How will the solution fix the problem?
We have spoken to the jockeys and this will be much healthier and possible for the jockeys.
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
The change will positively affect the rider population by allowing them to be healthier and possibly increase number of jockeys coming here to ride. We need more QH riders. It should not negatively affect any entities or stakeholders.
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
The proposed change should benefit all by helping jockeys be healthier and not having to risk their health to make riding weight.
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
We foresee no possible drawbacks to this rule 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.
Stakeholder consultation is required.
We have obtained a list of owners, jockeys, and trainers who are in support of the rule change.
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]
Current rule: 193 t Weight range in minor meetings
A Quarter Horse entered in a race in Alberta may not carry less than 124 pounds or more than 130 pounds in any race, without the consent of the steward's board.
Proposed rule change: Rule 193 t Weight change in minor meetings
A Quarter Horse entered in a race in Alberta may not carry less than 125 pounds with an overweight exemption limited to 9 pounds to be allowed at trainer's discretion.
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission revised jockey weight allowances for Quarter Horse racing in Ontario in March of 2017, raising the maximum weight for a rider to 130 pounds from 127. The directive came as a result of AGCO seeking consultation from the public and industry and receiving support for the raising of the maximum weights in Quarter Horse racing in an effort to bolster the jockey colony at Ajax Downs.
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
Pari-mutuel Quarter Horse Racing shall be governed by the Rules of Thoroughbred Racing 2018, with the following exceptions:
Quarter Horse - Chapter 8: Weights
Last Updated
Wed, 01/31/2024
8.04.02 All horses in Quarter Horse Racing must carry from 120 lbs. up to and including 130 lbs. An overweight allowance limited to eight (8) lbs (Eight pounds) is allowed. All jockeys must declare their weight prior to riding the first race on any racing card and must ride at that weight for all races on that date. The afore mentioned weight must be posted prominently before the public prior to the mutuels opening for any race in which any jockey rides.
8.05.04 After unsaddling a jockey shall pass their equipment to a valet or will carry it to the scales to be weighed in.
8.16.05 The minimum weight shall be 105 pounds in any race.
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.
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Disqus Comments
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada November 27, 2025
WHEREAS on November 4, 2025, HORSE RACING ALBERTA issued Ruling #2025-01 against CENTURY CASINO INC., PERM. ADD.: EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ALBERTA, CANADA; and WHEREAS Century Casino lnc.'s request for a STAY was DENIED; and WHEREAS Century Casino Inc. and HORSE RACING ALBERTA have reached a resolution of the issue.
It is ordered by the Director, Regulatory and Supervisor of Racing that HORSE RACING ALBERTA Ruling #2025-01 shall be AMENDED and replaced by HORSE RACING ALBERTA Ruling #2025-02. Whereas an investigation resulted in finding Century Casino Inc. did violate HORSE RACING ALERTA Rule 63(1)(a) by failing to provide a safe racing surface for the following dates that resulted in cancellation:
- September 6, 2025
- September 27, 2025
- October 1, 2025
- October 3, 2025
As a result of mitigating factors, the cancellation of the final race date of October 3, 2025, the penalty will be rescinded against Century Casino Inc., thereby reducing the original assessed penalty amount.
Therefore, Century Casino Inc. is hereby ASSESSED A PENALTY IN TOTAL OF TWELVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($12,500.00) for the cancellation of racing on September 6, September 27, and October 1, 2025.
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days of the date of the invoice provided.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - November 29, 2025
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, RICHARD FREDERIC SCHNEIDER, PERM. ADD.: SHERWOOD PARK, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B.: MAY 2, 1970, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 460; Drivers shall keep both feet in the stirrups during the post parade, while in front of the grandstand, and from the time the horses are brought to the starting gate until the race has been completed. Drivers shall be permitted to remove a foot from the stirrups during the course of the race solely for the purpose of pulling ear plugs and once these have been pulled, the foot must be placed back into the stirrup. If a driver’s foot is in the stirrup, he or she shall not allow his/her foot to hit a horse in any manner; while driving #1 “SHES LIKE THE WIND” in Race 3, on Saturday, November 22, 2025. (Foot out contacting horse)
PENALTY: RICHARD SCHNEIDER is hereby FINED THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - November 29, 2025
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, GILLES ARMAND BOUVIER, PERM. ADD.: AIRDRIE, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B.: OCTOBER 29, 1966, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 460; Drivers shall keep both feet in the stirrups during the post parade, while in front of the grandstand, and from the time the horses are brought to the starting gate until the race has been completed. Drivers shall be permitted to remove a foot from the stirrups during the course of the race solely for the purpose of pulling ear plugs and once these have been pulled, the foot must be placed back into the stirrup. If a driver’s foot is in the stirrup, he or she shall not allow his/her foot to hit a horse in any manner; while driving #3 “REZIES GAL” in Race 8, on Friday, November 28, 2025. (Foot out, contacting horse)
PENALTY: GILLES BOUVIER is hereby FINED THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - November 29, 2025
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, RICHARD DONALD LANCASTER, PERM. ADD.: LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, D.O.B. APRIL 25, 1959, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 286(a); 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; by entering the horse “STAINLESS STEEL” in the wrong race thereby causing an unnecessary scratch in Race #3 on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
PENALTY: RICHARD LANCASTER is hereby FINED THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - November 22, 2025
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, AUTHORIZED AGENT, NATHAN KEITH SOBEY, PERM. ADD.: STURGEON COUNTY, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B. DECEMBER 17, 1991, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 456(vii); A monetary penalty and/or suspension may be applied by the starter of by the Judges for any of the following violations contained in subsections (i)-(vii). In addition, the Judges may place the offending horse for a violation of subsections (iii), (iv) or (vi) of this rule: failure to come into position or remain in position on the gate; while driving #8 “AMPED UP ANNIE” in Race 11, Friday, November 21, 2025.
PENALTY: NATHAN SOBEY is hereby FINED THE SUM OF FIFTY DOLLARS ($50.00).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - November 22, 2025
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, KELLY ORVIN HOERDT, PERM. ADD.: BEAMOUNT, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B. MAY 20, 1966, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 456(vii); A monetary penalty and/or suspension may be applied by the starter of by the Judges for any of the following violations contained in subsections (i)-(vii). In addition, the Judges may place the offending horse for a violation of subsections (iii), (iv) or (vi) of this rule: failure to come into position or remain in position on the gate; while driving #5 “DONT DELETE ME” in Race 5, Friday, November 21, 2025.
PENALTY: KELLY HOERDT is hereby FINED THE SUM OF FIFTY DOLLARS ($50.00).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - November 21, 2025
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, JAMES DAVID JUNGQUIST, PERM. ADD.: CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B. OCTOBER 11, 1978, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 458(2)(a)(ii)(c)(ii); At any time while on the grounds of an Association, it is a violation of the Rules for a driver, or the person in control of the horse, to engage in any of the following actions with respect to their driving conduct: excessive action, which is characterized by unreasonable quantity or degree, including using the whip continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond. At any time while on the grounds of an Association, the whip shall only be used for safety purposes and for very light encouragement. The only movement allowed to encourage a horse is a movement of the wrist. It is a violation of the Rules for a driver, or the person in control of the horse, to use the whip to hit or make contact with the horse as follows: to use more than acceptable wrist action; while driving “BLOWING IN THE WIND” in Race 9, Saturday, November 15, 2025. (Second offence since reset)
PENALTY: JAMES JUNGQUIST is hereby FINED THE SUM OF THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($300.00).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - November 21, 2025
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, PHILIP SYLVIO GIESBRECHT, PERM. ADD.: FORT SASKATCHEWAN, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B. DECEMBER 23, 1988, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 460; Drivers shall keep both feet in the stirrups during the post parade, while in front of the grandstand, and from the time the horses are brought to the starting gate until the race has been completed. Drivers shall be permitted to remove a foot from the stirrups during the course of the race solely for the purpose of pulling ear plugs and once these have been pulled, the foot must be placed back into the stirrup. If a driver’s foot is in or out of the stirrup, he or she shall not allow his/her foot to hit a horse in any manner; while driving #3 “CUSTARD DOLCE” in Race 9, Saturday, November 15, 2025. (Foot Out of Stirrup) (Second Offence)
PENALTY: PHILIP GIESBRECHT is hereby FINED THE SUM OF TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00).
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.
MEETING: Century Mile Racetrack & Casino, Alberta, Canada - November 21, 2025
In the opinion of the Board of Judges, OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER, PHILIP SYLVIO GIESBRECHT, PERM. ADD.: FORT SASKATCHEWAN, ALBERTA, CANADA, D.O.B.: DECEMBER 23, 1988, did violate HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 458(2)(a)(ii)(c)(i)(d)(i); At any time while on the grounds of an Association, it is a violation of the Rules for a driver, or the person in control of the horse, to engage in any of the following actions with respect to their driving conduct: excessive action, which is characterized by unreasonable quantity or degree, including using the whip continuously and/or without allowing the horse time to respond; At any time while on the grounds of an Association, the whip shall only be used for safety purposes and for very light encouragement. The only movement allowed to encourage a horse is a movement of the wrist. It is a violation of the Rules for a driver, or the person in control of the horse, to use the whip to hit or make contact with the horse as follows: to raise their hand(s) above their head; A driver, or the person in control of the horse, is required to: keep a line in each hand for the entire race, from the starter's call to the gate until the finish of the race, except for the purpose of adjusting equipment; while driving #3 “WESTCOAST MCCOY” in Race 13, Saturday, November 15, 2025.
PENALTY: PHILIP GIESBRECHT is hereby FINED THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00) AND SUSPENDED FROM DRIVING (RACING) FOR ONE DAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025.
In accordance with HORSE RACING ALBERTA Rule 297(1) fine to be paid within ten (10) days.