Damascus Castellanos

The agenda for the regular teleconference meeting includes several action items. Key discussions involve the approval of minutes from previous meetings in January and February 2020, the Executive Director's Report, and the Medical Director's Report. The Board is scheduled to take action regarding the distribution of race day charity proceeds from the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's 2019 summer and fall race meetings. Further action items concern the designation of 2020 allocated race dates for combined fair horse racing meetings, approval of an agreement for the distribution of Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) Market Access fees for a co-op marketing program, and proposed amendments to CHRB rules concerning the duties of the Official and Racing Veterinarian, medication penalty guidelines, and authorized medication dosages (furosemide). The agenda also includes public hearings and potential actions on rule amendments regarding trainer/assistant trainer qualifications, electronic submission of veterinarian reports, and trainers maintaining medication treatment records. The meeting concludes with a period for public comment and a closed session for legal and personnel matters.

This document serves as an advisory for the upcoming regular meeting of the California Horse Racing Board, scheduled to convene at 9:30 a.m. at the Surfside Race Place located at the Del Mar Race Track. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, and an audio-only Webcast of the proceedings is available via the CHRB Website.

The meeting included reports from the Executive Director regarding the status of the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act, the impact of COVID-19, legislative updates (AB 1974 and SB 800), and financial performance metrics showing increased handle compared to the previous year. The Equine Medical Director discussed California's fatality data criteria, the relevance of Necropsy Program data, and concerns regarding federal legislation. Key agenda items involved discussions and actions on the allocation of racing dates for 2021 for Standardbred, Quarter Horse, and Thoroughbred (Southern California) meets, including discussions on weekly racing schedules and handling overlaps with Fair meets. Other discussions included reporting requirements for catastrophic injuries, amendments to CHRB rules concerning diagnostic imaging, medication retention for furosemide, and practical updates to fire prevention regulations.

The key discussions during this meeting involved several action items related to horse racing licenses and rule amendments. The Board acted on the distribution of race day charity proceeds from the Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Racing Association totaling $33,514. Licenses to conduct horse racing meetings were considered for Pacific Racing Association at Golden Gate Fields (December 26, 2014, through June 28, 2015), Los Angeles Turf Club at Santa Anita (December 26, 2014, through June 28, 2015), Los Alamitos Horse Racing Association, and Watch and Wager LLC at Cal Expo. Public hearings were held regarding proposed amendments to CHRB Rule 1588 (Horse Ineligible to Start In a Race) and CHRB Rule 1858 (Test Sample Required). Furthermore, the Board discussed proposed amendments to CHRB Rule 1843.3 concerning Penalties for Medication Violations, and received a status update request concerning the Los Angeles Turf Club's backside improvement plans for Santa Anita and San Luis Rey Downs.

The meeting agenda included action items such as the discussion and potential license approval for horse racing meetings proposed by the Fresno District Fair and the Oak Tree Racing Association. Several public hearings were scheduled regarding proposed amendments to CHRB Rules concerning license term expiration dates, procedures for voiding claims in canceled races, and aligning driver's whip length with USTA requirements. Further discussion points involved licensing and setting rates for ADW hub fees, an adjustment request regarding stabling and vanning percentages for Northern Thoroughbred and Fair off-track handle, and reports on the experimental suspension of the rule concerning coupling of horses. The Board also planned to address staff presentations on monthly statistical reports and ongoing issues related to the installation of new totalizator technology. Other public hearings covered amendments related to steward reports on jockey injuries, mandatory safety reins, and revising safety vest standards. The Board also discussed amending rules regarding wagering prohibitions and toe grab heights on thoroughbred horseshoes, and requirements for drainage systems in newly installed synthetic tracks.