From CHRB
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, December 15, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, 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 the Webcast link. In brief:
· The Board gave final approval to race meets at Los Alamitos, Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields after the three associations submitted (or promised) all documents required by statutes. In doing so, Scott Daruty with the Stronach Group indicated that both Santa Anita and Golden Gate will be limiting their agreements to four Advance Deposit Wagering companies: Xpressbet, TVG, NYRAbets.com, and TwinSpires. Furthermore, Xpressbet and TVG have signed agreements with the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) for a revised distribution of revenue from wagers placed through ADW by bettors while they are physically located at live race meets. Daruty indicated their intention to have the same agreements with NYRAbets.com and TwinSpires.
· Acting on a report from their Medication, Safety and Welfare Committee, the Board approved for 45-day public notice three rule amendments, two of which would extend to training the same standards for the use and construction of riding crops as are required in races. The third proposal would extend to training some of the same limitations on medications that exist for racing. Public hearings on all three proposals will be held following the notice period.
· The Sonoma County Fair Board indicated they will be conducting a race meet for the entire three weeks allocated by the Board – August 2 through August 22, the first two weeks in conjunction with their fair (August 3-13), the third week after the close of their fair.
· Representatives of the Southern California Vanning and Stabling Committee reported that their use of Galway Downs as an auxiliary training facility will cease February 1 when Los Alamitos completes its installation of an additional 150 stalls, bringing the Los Alamitos total to 850 stalls for thoroughbred stabling. Santa Anita, Los Alamitos and San Luis Rey Downs will continue to provide auxiliary stabling and training.
· Representatives of the Northern California Vanning and Stabling Committee reported that Pleasanton will remain open as an auxiliary training facility through January 15, and then rejoin the program May 1. This does not preclude Pleasanton from remaining open for stabling and training during the interim but Pleasanton would not receive funding from the program during that period. Golden Gate will provide auxiliary training and stabling during the fair season.
· The Board approved three items pertaining to the distribution of revenue from ADW wagering for vanning and stabling and for simulcast wagering.
· Following a report by the Pari-Mutuel and Wagering Committee on discussions with ADW companies about their level of contributions to California racing, representatives of Lien Games Racing and NYRAbets.com both affirmed their intentions to donate to California racing-related charities.
· Executive Director Rick Baedeker reported that racing’s stakeholders gave generously for a recent holiday party and gifts to backstretch workers. He also reported an increase of 1.1 percent in total statewide handle for the year, helped significantly by dramatic increases in November, the month of the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.