Canadian horse racing is at a crossroads, mirroring the North American dilemma on race adjudication. The recent debates in the trade press (BloodHorse) and on social media, particularly concerning the New York Stallions Series Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack, have brought to the forefront the need for a more harmonized system of judging races.
Internationally, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' Harmonisation of Racing Rules Committee, which I chair, advocates for the "Category 1" rule. This rule maintains race placings unless it's clear the interfered horse would have won. Notably, major racing nations like France and Japan have adopted this, seeing a decrease in racing incidents and suspensions for careless riding.
Contrastingly, Canada, alongside the United States, adheres to the "Category 2" rule, placing the interfering horse behind the affected one, regardless of the potential race outcome. This approach was discussed at the Global Symposium on Racing, highlighting the need for global consistency in rules.
The adoption of Category 1 in Japan and France has not compromised rider safety or horse welfare, contrary to concerns. In fact, these jurisdictions have seen a reduction in racing incidents and amendments in placings.
It's crucial for Canadian racing to consider aligning with the global standard. Neither system is flawless, but the push towards a unified, more effective judging method is essential for the integrity and safety of horse racing in Canada and beyond.