Blea to Resume Role as CHRB Medical Director

Dr. Jeff Blea, the former equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board, will return to his position Sept. 21, Thoroughbred Daily News first reported Sept. 4.

According to the TDN, Blea's attorney, Michael Casey, confirmed Blea has reached a settlement with the California State Veterinary Medical Board. Casey also confirmed to TDN that Blea will be serving a three-year probationary period as part of the settlement.

Blea was forced to vacate his role as equine medical director this past winter after an anonymous tip and investigative report by the California State Veterinary Medical Board revealed that he was violating board procedures.

These violations, which claimed Blea prescribed and administered medications to horses without an examination or medical necessity, had occurred before Blea took up his role as medical director in July 2021.

The California Horse Racing Board placed Blea on official administrative leave Dec. 21 and successfully petitioned to have his veterinary license temporarily suspended Jan. 3. An appeal to revoke Blea's license suspension was denied in February of this year.

In March, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge James Chalfant denied a stay request from Blea that would have allowed him to resume his duties as medical director of the CHRB.

Blea was first licensed to practice veterinary medicine in California in 1993.

Blea did not return calls Sunday seeking comment from BloodHorse.