AGCO clears contested August 4 race at Fort Erie Race Track

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) found no wrongdoing in an August 4 race at the Fort Erie Race Track, resolving unexplained questions raised by viewers and confirming the result met rules of racing.

In a report released September 1, AGCO stewards concluded jockey Kirk Johnson and the horse’s connections intended to win and violated no rules.

The review followed the fourth race on August 4, when Johnson and Princess O Denmark rapidly decelerated before finishing after opening a sizable lead.

Fort Erie Race Track spokesperson James Culic said the horse’s tendency fit what investigators found.

“He always sticks to the same pattern. He breaks very, very quickly,” said Culic.

As Fort Erie Radio reported August 5, the finish drew online allegations and announcer Doug McPherson labelled it “perplexing.”

Addressing that broadcast, Culic said the phrase did not reflect what the review later found.

“I think Doug just misspoke a little bit,” said Culic.

According to Culic, trainer Richard Davies told Johnson to let the filly run her way and see how far she could carry her speed.

Stewards interviewed the jockey, trainer and veterinarians and consulted previous trainers who had worked with Princess O Denmark. They also reviewed the horse’s prior races and found similar running patterns, and the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency reported no irregular betting tied to the race.

“Everyone at the racetrack here always had full confidence in the integrity of Kirk Johnson,” said Culic, emphasizing the rarety of a circumstance like this leading to AGCO involvement.

The AGCO report said Johnson’s glances back down the lane were consistent with judging his cushion and rationing speed for the finish given the filly’s quirks, and it accepted that the rider and connections aimed to win.

“Horse racing is a complex sport, and there’s often more than meets the eye,” said Drew Cady, general manager for the Fort Erie Race Track.

“That particular horse is known to break hard out the gate, and it simply didn’t have enough gas left in the tank to hold on for the win,” he added, noting that maintaining “the integrity of our races is our highest priority here at Fort Erie Race Track.”

Cady also thanked the AGCO for their thorough investigation into the matter.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe