A bill signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, SB 469, gives the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) new powers to suspend a race meet if it determines that the safety of horses or riders are at jeopardy.
The bill was inspired by a winter-spring racing season at Southern California’s Santa Anita where 30 horses died during training and racing, which is about twice as many as normally occur in the season.
Several weeks ago the governor ordered the racing board to initiate new safety measures and create a review group to provide closer examination of individual horses before racing. That review process led to 38 horses not being allowed to race.
In view of that success, Newsom called for the additional review to be adopted at the Golden State’s other racetracks.
Newsome hailed the passage of the new law. “Business as usual has resulted in too many horse deaths,” HE said. “I applaud the Legislature for taking action to expand the authority of the CHRB to cancel or move race meets when animal and human safety are at risk. This problem demands deeper partnership between the CHRB and track officials. I call on race tracks around the state to hold themselves to the higher screening standards recently adopted at Santa Anita. This model can save horses’ lives.”
Before the law’s passage the CHRB needed allegations of rule violations to limit, place conditions on or suspend a racing license. Now the board can take immediate action if a rider or horse is determined to be at risk. It also is not required to give notice of a public meeting ten days in advance of such an action.
Senator Bill Dodd, who wrote the bill, commented, “Putting the safety of horses first is paramount,” He added, “I appreciate Gov. Newsom’s partnership and swift action in supporting this common sense measure to allow the Horse Racing Board to halt racing when dangerous conditions exist.”
CHRB Chairman Chuck Winner praised the new bill, “which gives the Board the authority to suspend the license to conduct a racing meeting when necessary to protect the health and safety of horses and riders.” He added, “The law requires the board to adopt emergency regulations to implement the statute, which we will draft in time for our next meeting on July 18 at Del Mar. If the Board approves the emergency regulations, they could go into effect as early as August 5. I am appreciative to Governor Newsom, Senator Dodd and everyone else involved for their confidence in the California Horse Racing Board.”
