Race Day Cancellation Policy

POLICY NO. RLP009

(Standard Voting Procedure added June 15, 2026)

The decision to cancel a horse racing event in advance will be made with careful consideration of various factors to ensure the safety of participants, horses, and the integrity of the sport. When possible, race day cancellations will be made 5 hours in advance of the first post time scheduled to minimize disruptions and inconveniences.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Race Day Cancellation Policy is to establish clear guidelines and procedures for the cancellation of races scheduled to take place at the racetracks in Alberta. This policy aims to ensure the safety and welfare of horses, drivers, jockeys, and all participants, as well as to maintain the integrity of the sport.

AUTHORITY

A race or race day may be cancelled or postponed by:

  • the *licensed operator after consultation with the *judges/stewards board, the horsemen's representatives, jockey/driver representatives, and the official veterinarian, or
  • the judges/stewards board after consultation with the licensed operator, the horsemen's representatives, jockey/driver representatives, and the official veterinarian.

REASONS FOR CANCELLATION

Races may be canceled or postponed for the following reasons:

  1. Adverse Weather Conditions: Races may be canceled due to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, extreme cold or heat, snow, lightning, high winds, air quality, or fog, which could endanger the safety of participants and horses.
  2. Track Safety: In cases where the racing surface or track conditions are deemed unsafe for racing, such as waterlogged tracks, slippery surfaces, or any other conditions that may pose a risk to participants.
  3. Medical Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency or injury to a jockey or horse, races may be postponed or canceled to allow for proper medical attention.
  4. Force Majeure: Unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or any events beyond the control of Horse Racing Alberta, may lead to the cancellation of races.

RESCHEDULING

Whenever possible, race days that are cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or other factors will be rescheduled for a later date, and participants will be duly informed of the rescheduled date and race conditions. Additional races can be added to existing race cards at the discretion of Horse Racing Alberta.

COMMUNICATION

Horse Racing Alberta will maintain open communication with all stakeholders, including trainers, drivers, jockeys, owners, and betting outlets, regarding the cancellation and rescheduling of race days or races. Race day cancellations will be promptly communicated to the public, participants, and stakeholders through various channels, including emails, text messaging, and announcements, as well as on Horse Racing Alberta's official website and social media platforms.

COMPENSATION

  1. Stake Money: If a race day or portion of a race day is canceled, the stake money or purse for the races may be rolled over to a rescheduled race day. 
  2. Entry Fees: In some instances, entry fees paid by owners and trainers may be refunded if the race day is canceled before any races take place. 
  3. Jockey/Drivers Fees: Jockeys/Drivers who were scheduled to participate in races on the canceled day may be compensated according to the terms of their contracts or agreements with the racecourse or horse owners. Jockeys/Drivers receive compensation for their services when they mount/drive a horse and are prepared to participate in a race even if the horse is scratched before post time. This compensation is commonly referred to as a "mount fee", "riding fee" or "driving fee" 
  4. Special Preferences:  If a racing program or any portion of a program is cancelled or a race is declared no contest, the horses affected by that cancellation or declaration must receive a special preference. 
  5. Horsemen Expenses:  Compensation for expenses incurred by horsemen in preparation for the race day. This compensation will come out of purse allocation at a maximum of $500 per horse eligible to race. Should there be no opportunity for rescheduling, a collaborative agreement must be reached between the horsemens' organization and Horse Racing Alberta.

EVALUATION

This Race Day Cancellation Policy will be periodically reviewed and updated as needed to reflect industry standards, regulations, and changing circumstances.

This policy is intended to provide clear procedures and guidelines for race day cancellations, with a primary focus on ensuring safety and welfare while minimizing disruptions to participants and the racing community.

Approved November 24th, 2023 | Board Motion Number BDM114
Kent Verlik, CEO | Diana McQueen, Chair

 

Standard Voting Procedure for Jockeys, Drivers, and Trainers

This standard voting procedure ensures a fair and transparent process by requiring Racing Associations to conduct a formal vote among affected Trainers, Drivers, and Jockeys. In accordance with the Race Day Cancellation Policy, these participant votes will be included in the final decision-making process, alongside consultations with the Board of Judges/Stewards, the Licensed Operator, and the Official Veterinarian.

1. Eligibility

  • Only licensed jockeys/drivers, trainers scheduled to ride/drive/race that race day may vote.
  • Ensure the list of eligible voters is confirmed through:
    • Racing Office entries
    • Scratch list updates
    • On-track check-in list

2. Voting Administrator

A neutral, non-influential party should run the vote, such as:

  • Horsemen's association board representative (not eligible for voting)
  • Judge or Steward
  • Horse Racing Alberta Security Investigator

Avoid individuals who may benefit directly from the outcome.

3. Anonymous Voting Method

To avoid peer pressure or fear of consequences:

Paper Ballots

  • Write Yes (continue) or No (stop racing).
  • Ballots placed in a closed ballot box.
  • Box stays in view of voters but not handled by anyone until voting closes.

4. Voting Location & Time

  • Hold voting in the jockey/driver room or a private area.
  • Allow a defined window:
    • 10-15 minutes maximum
  • No debate or pressure during the voting period.

5. Neutral Observers

At least two observers should witness ballot counting:

  • One steward/judge/security investigator
  • One horsemen's board representative
  • track management observer

Observers verify:

  • Ballot box was closed before voting
  • Votes counted once
  • No tampering

6. Majority Standard

Use a simple majority unless local rules specify otherwise:

  • 50% + 1 = Decision

If tied:

  • Stewards/judges decide based on safety and regulatory authority.

7. Documentation

After voting, record:

  • Time of vote
  • Number of eligible voters
  • Number of votes cast
  • Final tally
  • Summary of concerns raised
  • Observers present

This is placed in the race day file and attached to the cancellation or continuation decision.

8. Communication of Outcome

  • Announce results directly to jockeys/drivers/trainers first.
  • Provide quick, neutral notification to:
  • Stewards/Judges, Official Veterinarian, and other officials
  • Track management
  • Horsemen's board representative

Public communications should avoid referencing individual voters.

Fairness Safeguards

To prevent influence and maintain integrity:

  • No ineligible trainers, agents, or management should be present during the vote.
  • Jockeys/drivers/trainers should not announce their vote publicly
  • No one may compel or pressure a rider/driver/trainer to vote a certain way.
  • Anonymous ballots only