June 24, 2011 – QROOI – WSIB Information Session

June 24th, 2011

Key information regarding WSIB eligibility, coverage, and the unique situation the Quarter Horse racing industry is in, was presented by representatives of the WSIB – two that are experienced with both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred sectors. The presentation includes an outline of the requirements for any trainer to obtain a WSIB Clearance Certificate. A hard copy of the presentation is available through the QROOI Head office.

Ajax Downs advises ORC Rules 29.09 and 29.09.01 will be enforced at Ajax Downs in the near future. All Trainers are encouraged to contact the WSIB to arrange this coverage.

Rule 29.09 in part reads “Any owner, trainer, assistant trainer, authorized agent, pony person or any other person who places any licensee in a horse related occupation on their payroll at the racetrack must cover that licensee under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Act…”

Use the following link and phone numbers to contact the WSIB as soon as possible for further information and direction:

http://www.wsib.on.ca
Telephone: 416-344-1000 or toll free at 800-387-0750

Presentation speakers: James Ferster, Case Manager – 416-344-3041 and Tyra Shaheed, Account Specialist – 416-344-2437

May 15, 2011- QROOI – Life, Health and Dental Insurance for Eligible Quarter Horse Licensees

June 20th, 2011

Eligible Quarter Horse Licensees have the opportunity to join the QROOI sponsored Group Insurance Plan. Those eligible for participation have an open window to join this plan without having to prove insurability. This window is May 1, 2011 to May 31, 2011. Benefits of this plan include Life, Health and Dental Insurance. For more information please contact Monique McNamara or Rik Hudson at (905) 426-7050 or email qrooiheadoffice@gmail.com

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June 17, 2011 - ORC - Notice to the Industry - Testing for Clenbuterol

June 17th, 2011

With the support of the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc (QROOI), the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has launched an initiative to conduct random out-of-competition testing for the presence of clenbuterol in quarter horses, commencing July 1, 2011.

In the course of the out-of-competition testing, ORC investigators will enquire as to the use of clenbuterol. The investigators will then examine the records of the trainer and veterinarian to confirm the veterinarian’s examination of the animal, the prescription for the drug, as well as the time and dosage.

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Thursday June 9, 2011 - QROOI - WSIB Information Session

June 10th, 2011

A WSIB Information Session is scheduled for Friday June 24, 2011 at the Ajax Convention Centre, 550 Beck Cres, Ajax ON at 10:00 AM in the Salem Room B. All members are encouraged to attend this important presentation. This will be a time to have your questions answered regarding WSIB coverage.

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June 6, 2011 - QROOI - Notice About Race Conditions July 2nd Through 5th

June 6th, 2011

Southern Ontario is the place to race for top Quarter Horses July 2nd through July 5th. The province’s two Quarter Horse racing venues, Ajax Downs and Fort Erie Race Track are preparing to host the continent’s leading runners over an extended holiday weekend as they vie for AQHA championship points and lucrative purses.

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June 6, 2011 - ORC - News Release - 2011 Skills Development Tuition Scholarship

June 6th, 2011

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program (QHRIDP) is pleased to announce its Skills Development Tuition Scholarship.

This scholarship program provides an opportunity for subsidized skills training and upgrading to individuals enrolled in equine-related academic programs or other programs that advance and improve the horse racing industry in Ontario.

Please review the attached News Release for more information.

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May 20, 2011 - QROOI - 2011 QROOI Yearling and Mixed Sale

May 20th, 2011

Building on the successes of last year’s inaugural event, the 2011 QROOI Yearling and Mixed Sale will take place Saturday September 24 at Orangeville Fairgrounds. Please consider the advantages this sale offers to continuously improve Quarter Horse Racing and associated programs. Consignment deadline is July 15, 2011. Consignment forms and contracts are available using the following links.

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May 19, 2011 - APHA - EHV-1 Outbreak

May 19th, 2011

APHA understands the recent outbreak of the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) has caused considerable concern among horse owners across the country. As it is of utmost importance to provide information and resources to aid our members in making informed decisions APHA has created a new “Health Update” website resource. This area contains a variety of reference documents, a current list of APHA sanctioned shows and events which have been cancelled or postponed, as well as a resource list with U.S. State animal health organization contacts and a Canadian reference. That website can be accessed at www.apha.com/healthupdates.
About EHV-1
Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHV-1) can be a serious disease of horses that can cause abortion and death. Clinical signs include high fever, neurological symptoms and nasal discharge. The virus can spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands. EHV-1 is a strain of the neurological variation of Rhino and there is currently no vaccine for it. The virus can be contagious among horses, but is NOT transmittable to humans.
While a recent disease outbreak of EHV-1 has been traced to horses who attended the National Cutting Horse Associations’ Western National Championships in Odgen, Utah on April 30 – May 8, 2011, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) says the outbreak is affecting an unconfirmed number of horses across the United States and Canada.
APHA advises members to become familiar with the symptoms of EHV-1 and rigorously monitor their horses’ health. Should any symptoms occur it is strongly advised to contact a veterinarian immediately.
APHA Shows & Travel
APHA is not mandating that any APHA sanctioned show or event be cancelled, and is confident that all show and event managers will make the best decision for the health of participating horses. It is highly recommended that members planning to attend a show or event verify that an event is continuing to be held prior to proceeding with travel. A current list of cancelled APHA sanctioned events that have been verified by APHA are available on the Health Update website.

Upon verification of cancellation of any APHA sanctioned event, APHA is posting cancellations on Facebook.
Due to fluidity of the situation and the inability to predict the long-term impact of this outbreak, APHA is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide notification at a later date regarding updates or changes that affect the AjPHA World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas (June 24-July 2).
For information on how EHV-1 impacts inter- and intra-state equine travel consult with your local and/or state veterinarian.
For periodic updates and additional information, please refer to the Health Updates section on the APHA website.

May 10, 2011 - QROOI - WSIB Fact Sheet Information

May 10th, 2011

If you work with horses at an Ontario racetrack, you can apply for workplace insurance for yourself and the people who work for you. You don’t have to under the law but, in fact, the track may require you to get this coverage so you can give them a clearance certificate. If you do choose to get coverage, this fact sheet will give you the details you will need to know.

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