The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) conducted its regular meeting Thursday, July 20, at Del Mar Race Track.
Chairman Chuck Winner presided. First Vice Chair George Krikorian, Second Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Jesse Choper, Araceli Ruano and Alex Solis also were in attendance.
The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB website (chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief:
• Executive Director Rick Baedeker described significant steps being taken by the CHRB, Del Mar management and other stakeholders to protect horses and riders. In addition to major improvements to the racing surface and maintenance procedures, an increased number of Official Veterinarians and CHRB safety personnel working with track veterinarians are scrutinizing horses entered in races as well as other horses training in the mornings. Horses deemed unfit will not be permitted to run. A complete list of safeguards is posted on the CHRB website.
• Rick Baedeker also announced that several new videos focusing on safety in horse racing that should be of interest to the general public will soon be posted on the CHRB website.
• The Board approved the license for the California Authority of Racing Fairs to conduct a fair meet at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton from September 20 through October 3. This meet is called “Oak Tree at Pleasanton.”
• The Board approved the license for the Big Fresno Fair to operate a fair meet in Fresno from October 4 through October 17.
• The Board approved the license application for Lien Games Racing (OffTrackBetting.com) to conduct Advance Deposit Wagering for 17 months – placing it on the same licensing schedule as other previously approved ADW providers.
• The Board began the regulatory process for scratching any horse that has not been properly reported within specified time frames as having been gelded. A public hearing on this proposed amendment will be conducted following the required 45-day public notice period.
• The Board referred to its Legislative Committee for further discussion a proposed regulatory amendment that would prohibit any horse claimed in California from racing in another state until 60 days after the close of the meeting at which it was claimed except in a stakes race.
• City of Arcadia officials asked the Board to support their effort to obtain a share of wagers placed through ADW accounts while the bettor is physically located at Santa Anita Park. The Board referred the matter to legal counsel to review current law in this regard.
• Representatives of Northern California Off Track Wagering Inc. (NOTWINC) gave a presentation on the organization’s operations and responsibilities, including its efforts to develop new mini-satellites in Northern California.
(CHRB)