From CHRB
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Damascus Castellanos and Brenda Washington Davis.
The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief:
- Dr. Francisco Uzal, a professor of pathology at U.C. Davis and head of the CHRB Postmortem Program, reported on the program findings for 2022-23. Of particular importance, he reported that of the 65 postmortem examinations for the year, for the first time in the 34-year history of the program, the majority of the equine fatalities were due to medical causes, not musculoskeltetal injuries. This was evidence that the many new regulations and procedures introduced in California in recent years to protect horses and riders have had the desired effect of reducing breakdowns in racing and training.
Dr. Uzal went on to say that when there are musculoskeletal injuries, almost always there are pre-existing conditions that lead to the final breakdown. He said diagnostic equipment available to California horse racing allows for early identification of those pre-existing conditions and provides an opportunity for intervention and prevention.
Dr. Jeff Blea, the CHRB equine medical director, described a national project for development and application of wearable biometric sensor technologies to improve early detection of musculoskeletal injuries in thoroughbreds.
- Stakeholders in both Northern and Southern California presented their financial and operational plans for stabling and vanning programs in the upcoming calendar year. In turn, the Board then authorized a modification of ADW revenue distributions to include a distribution to the Southern California Stabling and Vanning Fund.
- The Board authorized Executive Director Scott Chaney to enter into a voluntary implementation agreement with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU). Under this agreement, the CHRB will enforce safety regulations and adjudicate enforcement violations on behalf of those federal authorities. These enforcements greatly reduce the fees California horse racing must pay to HISA and HIWU.
- In his report to the Board, Chaney alerted stakeholders that two new regulatory concepts will go into effect on January 1. Rule 1902 (Conduct Detrimental to Racing) was amended to make presence at or participation in unsanctioned racing a violation for CHRB licensees. Additionally, Rules 1500 and 1619 were amended to update and clarify the rules surrounding apprentice jockey licensure. In collaboration with the Jockeys’ Guild, the ten-pound apprentice allowance will be eliminated, leaving 7 pounds and 5 pounds as the apprentice allowances based on wins.
- Vice Chair Gonzales expressed concern about the severe purse cuts intended for the 2024 meet at Golden Gate Fields. He stated that Northern California horsemen should be treated with respect and stressed the need for better communication by racetrack management.
- The Board approved the license application for OC Tavern in San Clemente to resume offering wagering as a minisatellite under new management. The restaurant/wagering site is expected to reopen on December 26, opening day of the Santa Anita winter meet.
- The Board authorized the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association to conduct a horse sale at Fairplex Park from January 26 through February 1.
- The Board authorized the Los Alamitos Racing Association to distribute $3,375 in race day charity proceeds to four beneficiaries.