Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the appointment of jockey Alex Solis to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) on Thursday, April 30. This followed the resignation of Bo Derek, who served nearly seven years on the Board, most recently as 1st Vice Chair.
CHRB Chairman Chuck Winner expressed high praise for both.
“I’m very pleased that the Governor appointed Alex to the Board. Having a rider will bring a new dimension to our process that has been missing,” said Chairman Winner. “I’ve known Alex since he began riding in California. He’s a terrific jockey and a man of integrity, who is well respected throughout the industry.”
“I’m looking forward to adding another perspective to the Board,” said Commissioner Solis. “I have 34 years of experience in the racing industry. I’ve been on top of horses and I’ve been in the backside. I’ve associated with many great horsemen. I feel that I have a good understanding of the industry.”
Chairman Winner continued, “Vice Chair Bo Derek has been an outstanding commissioner. She has worked tirelessly as a leading advocate for the health and safety of the horse and the rider. I personally learned a great deal from working with Bo on the Board and as a member of her committee that dealt with equine medication and track safety. There can be no doubt that the horses, the riders, and the industry are much the better because of the work of Bo Derek.”
As a commissioner since July 15, 2008, and chair of the Medication and Track Safety Committee, Derek helped insure the health, safety and welfare of horses and riders by leading efforts to improve the construction and use of riding crops; require riders to wear improved safety helmets and safety vests; greatly restrict the use of a wide range of medications, such as anabolic steroids; implement the process for voiding claims (purchases) of horses that demonstrate unsoundness following their races; and insure that every racetrack and approved training facility has immediate access to ambulances and paramedic services.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been able to work on welfare and safety issues from the inside of the sport I love,” she said. “And I’m thrilled that Alex Solis is joining the Board. He has so much to offer.”
(With files from CHRB)