From CHRB
DEL MAR, Calif. (July 18, 2015) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Friday, July 17, at Del Mar Racetrack. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian, and Alex Solis also were in attendance.
The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under theWebcast link. In brief:
- The Board approved for public notice proposed language that clarifies the criteria for disqualifications in races and requires stewards to issue greater penalties for jockeys who repeatedly violate riding rules and/or whose infractions jeopardize the safety of others. The Board will conduct a public hearing on this proposed amendment to CHRB Rule 1699 (Riding Rules) following the 45-day notice period.
- Representatives of California racing associations and horsemen’s groups reported they have held numerous meetings in both Northern and Southern California in efforts to reach agreement on proposed calendars for the 2016 racing year. Those discussions will continue. Chairman Winner stated the Board will vote on 2016 race-date allocations at the August 20 meeting.
- With AmTote International scheduled to bring their pari-mutuel equipment online October 26 as the industry’s selected provider of totalizator services for the next 10 years, the Board discussed five conditions that AmTote must meet in order to be licensed as a vendor in California. Those and other considerations will be discussed at the August 20 meeting when the license application comes before the Board.
- Executive Director Rick Baedeker reported on the recent Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at which delegates discussed the need for continuing education programs in horse racing. Baedeker advised the racing commissioners that staff will be asking them to adopt a requirement to make continuing education a requirement for licensing in California. Working with the University of California at Davis, the CHRB has developed several online video modules designed for continuing education programs. These modules focus on racehorse health matters. Additional modules are planned.
- The Board approved the license application for the Los Angeles County Fair to conduct a race meet at Los Alamitos Race Course from September 10 through September 25.
- The Board approved the license application for the San Joaquin County Fair to conduct a race meet in Stockton from September 11 through September 20.
- The Board approved the license application for the Los Angeles Turf Club to conduct a race meet at Santa Anita Park from September 26 through October 25.
- Representatives of the Winners Foundation reported on their ongoing efforts to assist employees in California horse racing and their families in dealing with substance abuse, problem gambling, and other difficulties. They reported the need for additional funding in order to maintain the current level of service. The Board will discuss this matter further at the August meeting.
- The Board authorized the distribution of $46,017 in race day charity proceeds by the Pacific Racing Association to 11 beneficiaries.