Concerns Voiced in Breeding Right Proposal for Jockeys

A proposal by California Horse Racing Board commissioner Oscar Gonzales for a mandatory one-time breeding right for California-based jockeys who win grade 1 races in the state on eventual stallions was met with concerns by fellow commissioners and an industry representative in a discussion Dec. 14.

Speaking during a meeting of the CHRB's Jockey and Driver Welfare Committee, Thoroughbred Owners of California President and CEO Bill Nader and CHRB Commissioners Damascus Castellanos and Thomas Hudnut cautioned of the unintended consequences of such a requirement, with Nader saying, "I think the voluntary approach is better than the compulsory approach." Gonzales was credited for pitching the idea initially in the spring, raising awareness of a breeding-right bonus that is not as commonly provided to jockeys as it once was.

Nader indicated he felt an earlier committee discussion Wednesday of a proposal to amend health and welfare funding shortfalls warranted more immediate attention. "Then come back at a later date, and maybe in a different version," he said, mentioning the idea of a California jockey bonus not tied to a breeding right.

Commissioners agreed that having as many California stakeholders behind a revamped health and welfare funding mechanism was important after drops in brick-and-mortar funding.

A legislative option has been presented, and Nader mentioned monies from abandoned advance deposit wagering accounts could also provide partial funding. Commissioners plan to meet with stakeholders prior to coming before a full CHRB meeting in January.