California Governor Expands Racing Board's Powers

As expected, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law June 26 legislation that will allow the state's racing regulator to immediately halt a race meet if it determines the safety of horses or riders may be in jeopardy.

The signing of Senate Bill 469, which like its corresponding legislation in the Assembly was unanimously approved by legislators, was one of several actions by Newsom Wednesday aimed at improving safety in the sport. The winter-spring meet at Santa Anita Park that concluded June 23 saw 30 horses die during racing or training at the track.

ANGST: Bill Giving CHRB More Authority Over Meets Approved

The bill signing comes weeks after Newsom directed the California Horse Racing Board to apply new safety measures and create a review group at Santa Anita to provide additional examination and determine if an individual horse is at elevated risk of injury before racing. A total of 38 horses were scratched or denied entry at Santa Anita since the new review process was established this month. Newsom called on the state's other tracks to adopt the additional review processes used this month at Santa Anita.

Also Wednesday, he announced the appointment of the former director of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health, Gregory Ferraro, to the CHRB.

"Business as usual has resulted in too many horse deaths," Newsom said. "I applaud the Legislature for taking action to expand the authority of the CHRB to cancel or move race meets when animal and human safety are at risk. This problem demands deeper partnership between the CHRB and track officials. I call on race tracks around the state to hold themselves to the higher screening standards recently adopted at Santa Anita. This model can save horses' lives."

As for the new legislation, previously short of an allegation of an actual rule violation, the CHRB was limited in its ability to take action against a licensee to limit, place conditions on, or suspend a racing license. SB469 will update the law to allow the CHRB to take immediate action on race meet licenses if horse or rider safety is determined to be at risk.

Also, before the CHRB could take action under the previous standards, it was required to give notice of a public meeting 10 days in advance, effectively delaying the timing of when it could halt a meeting. The newly approved legislation would allow the CHRB to immediately call an emergency meeting and take action—if it determines the health and safety of horses or riders are at risk—and then review the suspension of the license within 10 calendar days.

The legislation also gives the CHRB powers to "change, limit, restrict, or reallocate racing weeks, days, or dates" that were previously allocated.

"Putting the safety of horses first is paramount," said state Sen. Bill Dodd, a Napa Democrat and author of SB469. "I appreciate Gov. Newsom's partnership and swift action in supporting this common sense measure to allow the Horse Racing Board to halt racing when dangerous conditions exist."

The horse safety review group examined the past performances of all horses, including any history on the Veterinarian's List and Steward's List, as well as any medical history the CHRB was aware of, and physical observations of the horse when practicable. The panel then advised Santa Anita management if certain horses were considered high-risk. The Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita Park, agreed to deny the entry of any such horses and treat the review group's recommendation as the final word.

Ferraro, 73, of San Francisco was director of the UC-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health from 1997-2014. Ferraro was owner and chief executive officer of Gregory L. Ferraro DVM from 1972 to 1997. He earned a doctor of veterinary medicine from the UC-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association. This position requires Senate confirmation.

In a statement, the CHRB applauded Gov. Newsom's moves.

"The California Horse Racing Board welcomes the new tool it will have at its disposal as the result of Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of SB 469, which gives the Board the authority to suspend the license to conduct a racing meeting when necessary to protect the health and safety of horses and riders," said CHRB chairman Chuck Winner. "The law requires the board to adopt emergency regulations to implement the statute, which we will draft in time for our next meeting on July 18 at Del Mar. If the Board approves the emergency regulations, they could go into effect as early as August 5. I am appreciative to Governor Newsom, Senator Dodd and everyone else involved for their confidence in the California Horse Racing Board.

"I am also very pleased with the appointment of Dr. Greg Ferraro to our Board. Dr. Ferraro was a practicing veterinarian and equine surgeon in California horse racing for more than two decades before holding an important position on the faculty of U.C. Davis that focused on equine research and protecting horses. I can't think of anyone more highly qualified to serve on the Board."