From CHRB
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Thomas Hudnut, and Wendy Mitchell.
The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief:
- The Board voted to amend the Inclement Weather Policy by imposing greater restrictions on horses exercising immediately after the surface has been unsealed. Typically, when wet weather is anticipated, dirt surfaces are compacted hard to promote runoff and prevent water from seeping into the soil. When the surface is later unsealed, indications are that at least 24 hours is needed for it to fully settle. Under the new policy, horses will only be allowed to jog during those 24 hours. The track superintendent and CHRB’s equine medical director, Dr. Jeff Blea, will decide together whether it is safe for horses to perform more serious exercises during the next 24 hours.
- The Board approved for public notice a regulatory amendment prohibiting individuals licensed by the CHRB from participating in or from even being present at a non-recognized location where match racing is taking place. This action recognizes that match racing, which is taking place at ranches and other private locations in the state, is harmful to horses. Even though the CHRB has no direct authority over match racing, the amended rule is designed to prevent licensed jockeys and other licensees from supporting that activity.
- Races were moved off the turf and onto the main track over the April 15-16 weekend at Santa Anita after it was discovered that a portion of the grass was wet and slippery. Commissioner Gonzales asked for an update on that matter. Executive Director Scott Chaney said the CHRB has determined that the problem was due to a change in the composition of the course that hindered seepage, so that water from the sprinkler system a day or two before had remained on the surface. Management will have the course aerated more often to facilitate seepage and will set the sprinklers further in advance of racing to prevent recurrence of this problem.
- In their reports to the Board, Executive Director Chaney and Dr. Blea indicated that California is well prepared to comply with federal requirements when complete regulations under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act/Authority (HISA) go fully into effect on May 1. The CHRB and California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) organization have produced a helpful document for trainers that summarizes the changes and new requirements as of May 1.
- The Board approved for public notice regulatory amendments that will align with HISA requirements concerning fire prevention and safety. The amendments also will clarify procedures for compliance.
- The Board approved a Social Media Policy to ensure that comments posted on the CHRB’s social media platforms are not threatening or abusive and meet other generally established rules of conduct. Any posted comments that appear to violate this policy will be reviewed by CHRB attorneys and the Executive Director before any comment could be removed from the platform.
- The Board approved a request from NYRAbets to amend its Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) license to allow customers of Caesars Entertainment’s Racebook Platform to access the NYRAbets’ ADW service.
- The Board authorized the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and Santa Anita to continue utilizing a portion of their own ADW revenue for a marketing program.
- The Board approved technical changes to the operation of Game Play Network’s ADW platform.
- The Board approved technical changes to the operation of Xpressbet’s ADW platform, including the introduction of a new Quick Pick feature.