CHRB Addresses Inclement-Weather Training, Bush Tracks

During an April 20 meeting of the California Horse Racing Board, the regulator amended its inclement weather policy for racehorse training and took steps to discourage participation in illegal match racing at unsanctioned facilities known as bush tracks. According to CHRB public information officer Mike Marten, the inclement weather policy amendment limits higher-speed horse exercise to jogging within 24 hours of a track being unsealed, and the regulator gave initial approval to penalize licensees participating in or attending racing at bush tracks.

Such tracks typically run match races of Quarter Horses, and animal rights abuses uncovered at some facilities have been exposed by anti-racing groups.

This winter, California received an inordinate amount of rain, leading to a greater number of sealed surfaces. A sealed track is a surface that has been compacted, allowing more water to run off it toward drainage areas and reducing the precipitation being absorbed.

Anecdotally, it appears that horses that work or race immediately after a track is unsealed are at a higher risk for future injury, a CHRB meeting document stated.

Santa Anita Park's turf course was also discussed during Thursday's CHRB meeting after five scheduled grass races were transferred to dirt during a period of dry weather April 8-9. A portion of the turf course was retaining moisture after watering, a condition Santa Anita officials speculate was caused by changes to water absorption into the grass following growth during the wet winter.

Turf course aeration and watering more than 48 hours before racing are two actions being taken, Marten said.