McHargue Named Chief Steward

From CHRB
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2015) — Darrel McHargue, the Eclipse Award-winning jockey who began a new career as a racing official in 1988, was appointed Thursday by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to the newly created position of Chief Steward, whose primary responsibility will be the daily supervision of all CHRB stewards.
“We want to be as consistent as possible in the interpretation of CHRB rules throughout the state,” said CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker. “As Chief Steward, Darrel will work with our stewards every day to achieve this goal.”
McHargue, a California steward since 1990, will meet regularly with stewards at all California racetracks to review films and discuss and evaluate decisions, rulings, and other actions. He will attend seasonal and ad hoc meetings with jockeys, trainers, and other stakeholders. He will also assist in adjudicatory proceedings as appropriate and oversee day-to-day activities of all stewards in the state, including safety stewards.
“The work of the Chief Steward is not only intended to better ensure fairness, it is also designed to give our stewards – among the best in the country – the support they need to do a tough job,” said CHRB Chairman Chuck Winner, who serves on the Stewards’ Committee, along with Vice Chairman Richard Rosenberg.
“I thank the Board for this opportunity,” said McHargue. “Hopefully, my background as a rider and as a racing official for 35-plus years allows me to address the goals as set forth in the appointment, and that racing in California will be better for it.”
McHargue will assume his new duties on December 26.