California to Fund HISA Assessments Via ADW Access Fees

The California Horse Racing Board unanimously approved a proposal from stakeholders June 16 to fund the state's $1.45 million Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority assessment via in-state advance deposit wagering access fees. The CHRB is funded similarly.

Josh Rubinstein, president and COO of Del Mar, who provided background on the proposal, told commissioners that the funding comes from monies that "otherwise would be distributed to purses and commissions." 

Also during its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, the CHRB advanced concussion protocols to bring it into HISA compliance. The new regulations will now require a minimum assessment in a return-to-ride guideline, and stewards must be notified when a jockey is not permitted to ride.

Baseline concussion assessments were taken of riders last week at Golden Gate Fields and more will take place at Santa Anita Park this week, CHRB executive director Scott Chaney told the board during his report at the end of the meeting.

Regarding regulatory preparations in advance of planned HISA implementation beginning in a couple of weeks, Chaney said, "I believe that California is well-positioned for the July 1 effective date, but undoubtedly there will be some growing pains associated with the new federal oversight."

In a separate matter involving jockeys, the CHRB advanced raising the minimum weight carried by riders by two pounds and dropped the maximum allowable overweight by two pounds. Rule amendments concerning apprentice jockeys are likely to come before the board in August.