AGCO concludes there was no wrongdoing in Aug. 4 race at Fort Erie Racetrack
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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has concluded there was no wrongdoing in an Aug. 4 race at Fort Erie Racetrack where a favourite led at the top of the stretch before losing at the wire.
The ACGO informed Fort Erie it was reviewing the race after Princess O Denmark, the 6-5 favourite, had a seemingly comfortable lead atop the stretch but was beaten by three-quarters of a length.
Jockey Kirk Johnson had the horse sixth lengths ahead before the turn in the five-furlong turf race and straightening into the stretch.
But Johnson didn’t appear to ask the four-year-old filly to keep running, remaining high in the stirrups while twice looking over his right shoulder as if to keep on eye on the field.
By the time Johnson started asking Princess O Denmark at the 16th pole, primarily with hands and heels, Rolling Roxxx made up ground to rally past and win the maiden claiming race.
“It is clear that Princess O Denmark presented certain challenges to her rider that resulted in an unusual trip that caught the attention of race officials and the wagering public alike,” the AGCO said in a statement. “Despite looking over his shoulder down the stretch, the AGCO found that Johnson was merely assessing the situation in order to finish the race as best he could.
“The (AGCO) stewards have accepted Mr. Johnson’s explanation that, given the challenges of riding this particular filly, he was judging his lead so he could try to ration her speed to the wire as much as possible. In consideration of all available information, the AGCO stewards are satisfied that Mr. Johnson and the connections had every intention of winning Race 4 on August 4th, 2025, and that there were no violations of the rules of racing.”
Fort Erie officials were pleased with the AGCO’s ruling.
“Maintaining the integrity of our races is our highest priority here at Fort Erie Race Track,” said general manager Drew Cady. “Those wagering on our races need confidence that our product is genuine, and the findings of this review serve to reinforce that confidence.”
The AGCO regulates alcohol, lottery and gaming, cannabis retail and horse racing in Ontario.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 5, 2025.