The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, and Thomas Hudnut.
The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief:
- The Board approved the license application for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to operate a race meet in Del Mar from Nov. 10 through Dec. 3, plus non-racing simulcast dates. This fall meet will offer racing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus Thanksgiving Day.
- The Board approved the license application for Watch and Wager LLC to operate a harness race meet at Cal Expo in Sacramento from Nov. 17, 2023, through May 3, 2024. General Manager Chris Schick reported that harness racing in California is continuing its upward trend by attracting more experienced drivers and slightly increasing purses.
- In his report to the Board, Executive Director Scott Chaney pointed out that the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held at Santa Anita Park on Nov. 3 and 4: “Preparations are well underway and infrastructure is beginning to take shape. Obviously, one of the most important aspects is that of animal welfare, and California is well positioned given its current set of regulations and protocols, which will be further enhanced to ensure a safe, successful event. Special thanks to Marc Shaw, Chief of Enforcement, and Dr. Jeff Blea, equine medical director.”
In his separate report, Dr. Blea detailed some of those steps being taken to safeguard horses and riders.
Deputy Executive Director Cynthia Alameda reported on the recent Women in Racing Summit at Santa Anita, an event that attracted more than 150 women from 13 states and Canada with the goal of empowering individuals in racing to contribute to the advancement of women in the industry.
- The Board approved a request by Churchill Downs/Twinspires to allow customers of DraftKings to access their site to place wagers on horse racing.
- Bill Nader, president of Thoroughbred Owners of California, which helps oversee the medical benefits program available to California jockeys, reported that additional revenue from ADW companies has helped stabilize finances and is allowing the program to pay 60 percent of the overall premiums for health insurance.
- The Board approved the license for the Derby Room Sports Grill & Turf Club in Norco to continue offering wagering on horse racing as a minisatellite.
- The Board authorized the Los Angeles Turf Club to distribute $78,087 in race day charity proceeds to 10 beneficiaries.
- The Board authorized the Pacific Racing Association to distribute $13,441 in race day charity proceeds to eight beneficiaries.
- The Board approved for public notice proposed regulatory amendments pertaining to license applications for horse racing meets and wagering/simulcasting entities.
(CHRB)