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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