The Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC) is clarifying an error that briefly appeared in race results on Saturday evening at Red Shores Charlottetown regarding the mare Plain Jane (tattoo number 9SR059).
A data entry error by a Standardbred Canada representative incorrectly listed Plain Jane as a veterinary scratch for EPO. This was not the information that our APHRC officials received. The horse was scratched on veterinary recommendation due to injury. At the time of publication, a positive test certificate has not been issued by the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) for Plain Jane.
Standardbred Canada CEO Darryl Kaplan stated: “This was a clerical error made by Standardbred Canada. The designation for a routine veterinary scratch is located on a drop down menu on our internal system, however the “Vet-EPO” code was mistakenly selected. The error was corrected shortly afterward, and actions have been taken to prevent this type of mistake from happening in the future. We sincerely regret this error and apologize to all those affected by our actions.
Dr. Colleen Dickie, DVM, an APHRC-approved veterinarian who attended the mare, explained the decision: “During my examination of Plain Jane, I identified a career-ending soft tissue injury and immediately contacted the APHRC through the proper reporting channels to recommend her removal from Saturday’s race. As a licensed veterinarian under APHRC rules, I am obligated to report these findings, and I stand by the decision to prioritize the welfare of the horse.”
Derek Folland, who was Senior Judge on the evening of August 16, added: “On Saturday evening, Plain Jane was scratched lame and placed on the Judges’ List under chart code 26 – scratched 5 days lame. While reviewing the results, I noticed that Standardbred Canada had mistakenly listed the horse as “Vet–EPO”. I immediately contacted their representative, who corrected the data entry without delay.”
Kyle Burton, Director of Racing for the APHRC, reinforced the Commission’s strong stance on integrity: “Our drug control program is among the strictest in North America, and at this time we have not received any notification of a positive test involving Plain Jane. The APHRC is committed to protecting the integrity of harness racing and the welfare of our equine athletes. This year’s Old Home Week, for instance, showcased the most extensive testing and surveillance efforts in the history of racing in Atlantic Canada — a clear signal of our commitment to fairness and accountability.”
Commission Chair Glen Rankin added: “Our team of judges, race officials, veterinary technicians and investigators here in Atlantic Canada have been exemplary in their commitment to safety, fairness, transparency and equine health. We’re very proud of the work they are doing under the strong leadership of Director of Racing Kyle Burton”.
The APHRC will continue to prioritize transparency and uphold the highest standards of integrity in harness racing across the region.