Chaney Replaces Baedeker as CHRB Executive Director

Scott Chaney has been appointed executive director of the California Horse Racing Board, chair Greg Ferraro announced April 16. Chaney replaces Rick Baedeker, who retired March 31.

Chaney has been a steward in California since 2005, serving initially on the Southern California Thoroughbred circuit and most recently at the Los Alamitos Race Course Quarter Horse meet. Chaney graduated with honors at Dartmouth College and the University of Southern California Law School. He remains a member of the State Bar of California.

Chaney grew up in Maryland, where his parents owned a few horses that ran at Maryland tracks. With that background, he groomed horses during summer breaks from law school. After graduation, he became an assistant to trainer Darrell Vienna and traveled the world with horses.

CHRB commissioners and executives recognized Chaney's talents early on when they assigned him to complicated legal cases, research, and analysis of matters beyond the normal duties of stewards. He has been one of the CHRB's hearing officers since 2010. 

"I have known Scott since he first arrived at the racetrack," Ferraro said. "I have followed his career and know him to be a person with an excellent mind, fair in his judgments, and totally committed to the integrity of horse racing. I look forward to working with him in his new position, and I know he will do a great job."

Chaney's office will be in Sacramento, but his relocation might be delayed because of COVID-19 and the statewide stay-at-home order.

"When I became a steward, I saw my role as enforcing the rules in order to create a safe and fair environment for horses and licensees, as well as to protect the wagering public," Chaney said. "As executive director, my duties become more expansive, but my basic role remains the same. Integrity, safety, and animal welfare are our principal concerns, especially in these challenging times."