Accountability For Racehorse Condition

Published: February 19, 2015 10:24 pm EST

The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Wednesday, February 18, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided.

Second Vice Chairman Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper and George Krikorian 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 approved for public notice a proposed regulatory amendment requiring that authorized bleeder medication be administered only by approved third-party veterinarians.

  • The Board approved for public notice a proposed regulatory amendment requiring that claims be voided for horses that are placed on the veterinarian’s list for having visibly bled. This provision would be in addition to the existing criteria for voiding claims.

  • The Board continued its discussion of possible changes to the rule that governs disqualifications in races. The matter will be referred to the Stewards’ Committee. A related issue pertaining to reckless riding that endangers other jockeys and horses is being referred to an ad hoc committee.

  • The Board waived a regulatory requirement pertaining to synthetic surfaces at the request of Del Mar, which is in the process of installing a new dirt main track. The synthetic surfaces provision itself is in the process of being eliminated.

  • During the public comment portion of the meeting, Santa Anita Chairman Keith Brackpool, representing the Stronach Group and HRTV, and Betfair U.S. (TVG) Chief Executive Officer Kip Levin spoke briefly and answered questions from the Board on the breaking news that TVG had acquired HRTV.

  • CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker reported that total handle at California racetracks increased by 3.4 percent in January compared with January 2013. He also reported that a voluntary pilot microchip program will begin April 1 for horses stabled at Golden Gate Fields with support from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

  • The Board approved for public notice a proposed regulatory amendment lowering the amount of ketoprofen that can be present in a sample and adding isofluprodone at its specified level to the list of California’s authorized medications.

  • The Board approved for public notice a proposed regulatory amendment to hold owners equally responsible for the condition of any horse that has not been in the continuous care of a licensed trainer within a licensed enclosure in California or other racing jurisdiction for seven consecutive calendar days prior to the day of the race for which it is entered.

  • The Board heard a presentation and asked questions of signatories to the proposed new totalizator contract with AmTote International.

  • The Board approved a request for distribution of partial proceeds from Advance Deposit Wagering to help fund vanning and stabling programs in Northern and Southern California.

(CHRB)

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