CHRB Sets NorCal Track Dates; May Revise Weather Policy

The California Horse Racing Board March 16 assigned late-August race dates for Humboldt County Fair and Golden Gate Fields, which had been at odds over scheduling and financial arrangements.

There have been overlaps in the past, and after Thursday's vote, that will happen again. 

The Ferndale, Calif., track was allocated Aug. 16-29 while Golden Gate Fields received Aug. 23-Oct. 3, a one week overlap.

It was suggested as possible compromise that the tracks alternate years with having one week overlapped and then not overlap the following year. But vice chairman Oscar Gonzales' idea appears to be one that will be revisited next year as all other board members voted for the plan set forth for this year.

"I wouldn't be surprised if there was a great deal of enthusiasm for two weeks unopposed for Ferndale and would myself like to consider two weeks of racing in Ferndale with the second week covered with Golden Gate, which was actually part of the original proposal a number of months ago," board member Tom Hudnut said. "And that's what we did last year, too. I would see that as a compromise solution in this instance."

The board also discussed its inclement weather policy as it relates to surfaces and the return to racing and training. The recent weather issues faced in Southern California made this an even more pertinent topic. It was decided that bringing up the topic could lead to discussion on potential changes that may be implemented as soon as next month. 

CHRB medical director Jeff Blea said that with horses unable to train on sealed tracks, it creates different issues for horses and horsemen. Currently horses cannot engage in high-speed training over the track for at least 24 hours following inclement weather. 

Blea said there is a desire to modify the policy to limit the training following that 24-hour break to jogging only. Then, the permitted activities over the next 24 hours would be at the discretion of the track superintendent in conjunction with himself and the California Thoroughbred Trainers to allow galloping and possibly breezing. He noted that decision would largely depend upon how much water has accumulated. 

"We feel the track is safe for training, but we feel as a matter of safety to reduce the amount of concussion and bone, remodeling events that would occur during galloping and limit to jogging only," Blea said. 

This would have no impact on the racing policy, but this potential amendment would apply to the training track. 

Meanwhile, CHRB executive director Scott Chaney said that year-to-date handle figures are down in part due to the above-average rainfall the state has received. Day racing handle is down 11% and night racing handle is down 15% for an overall decline of 12%.

Chaney also noted that the CHRB is continuing to plan for the March 27 Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Control program launch. The CHRB has been coordinating with the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit and tracks to set up test barn personnel training programs.

"For the most part I do not think that licensees will experience a major change when it comes to post race and out of competition testing with one exception," Chaney said. "It is important to note that any adverse analytical finding a post-race positive will result in disqualification. This includes therapeutics and what we now can categorize as classes four and five."

The board also decided to cease pursuit of legislative proposal to amend health and welfare funding mechanisms for jockeys and backstretch workers to provide financial stability to those programs. This was supported by the Jockeys' Guild which felt that as long as it had assurances from the industry that it would help should there be an unexpected need for support.