Bill Dodd | Horse Racing Free Tips

Proposed Legislation Suggests Extra Six Months Of Racing at Golden Gate

If Golden Gate Fields is not licensed to operate beyond July 1 next year, proceeds from simulcast wagering in the north are funneled south when there is no racing in the northern half of the state, according to proposed legislation introduced in Sacramento.

The rule of thumb is that proceeds from wagers made in the “northern zone” stay in Northern California to pay for purses and operational expenses, while the proceeds from wagers made in the “southern zone” stay in Southern California for the same purposes.

According to California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) executive director, Larry Swartzlander, the legislation was drafted by CARF in agreement with The Stronach Group (TSG), on the proviso that Golden Gate Fields remains open for racing an extra six months.

TSG announced in July that it was closing the Bay Area facility at the end of December with the goal of increasing field size and adding another day of racing a week at Santa Anita.

“Our one concern from stakeholders was: Does The Stronach Group renege on us here, and doesn't extend [racing at Golden Gate Fields],” said Swartzlander, who said that CARF had tried to stipulate in the bill that Golden Gate fields remains open through June 2024.

“We wanted to put that in legislation–we wanted to–but we simply couldn't do it,” said Swartzlander, before adding that “everyone's pretty adamant that they will extend racing through June.”

TDN reached out to TSG Saturday morning with various questions, including whether the company indeed intended to extend racing an extra six months at Golden Gate Fields if the legislation is passed. TSG has not yet responded. The story will be updated accordingly.

“Consensus approval within the California racing industry to introduce this legislative amendment is a major step forward. It provides the flexibility to create a path for a new racing and business model leading into 2025 that is fair and balanced for all California owners,” wrote Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) president and CEO, Bill Nader, in a statement.

The proposed legislation states that, “notwithstanding any other law, if the board does not license a thoroughbred race meet to be conducted by a racing association at a racetrack located in the cities of Berkeley and Albany after July 1, 2024, a thoroughbred racing association, or racing fair, in the southern or central zone licensed by the board to conduct a thoroughbred race meet or fair meet shall, during racing weeks not allocated by the board for a race meet in the northern zone, be deemed to be operating in the northern zone for the purpose of conducting all permissible forms of wagering in the northern zone pursuant to this chapter and making and receiving required distributions from those wagers in accordance with this chapter.”

The language is a proposed amendment to AB 1074, co-authored by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) and state Senator Bill Dodd, (D-Napa).

At last month's CHRB meeting, TSG representatives had floated the idea of keeping the facility open until mid-2024 on condition that the current system of divvying up the simulcasting proceeds is revised to benefit the tracks in Southern California, where TSG is consolidating its operations.

Until now, various stakeholders in Northern California–including representatives of CARF–had voiced reservations about altering the system by which simulcast wagering proceeds are allocated.

For the purposes of simulcasting proceeds, the state is broken into three main geographical zones–the “Southern,” “Central” and “Northern” zones.

Largely speaking, the south and central zones are rolled into one big “southern zone,” roughly spanning the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County down to the Mexico border. The “northern zone” consists of the remaining counties in the state.

The monies generated from simulcasting wagering are used for a variety of operational expenses besides purses, including payments to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), the backstretch retirement fund and workers' compensation.

Next year's racing calendar in Northern California is, of course, still to be decided. Swartzlander floated a plan that if Golden Gate Fields remains open until mid-2024, Santa Rosa would stage a Thoroughbred meet from mid-October–when the Fresno fair meet ends–until the end of the year.

The 2025 Northern California Thoroughbred racing calendar, Swartzlander added, could still hinge around a permanent base at Cal Expo. Such a plan would apparently require reaching an agreement with California's harness racing industry, which only last year extended its lease of operations of the Cal Expo Harness racetrack until May 2030.

Swartzlander also suggested the permanent bases of any extended 2025 Thoroughbred racing calendar in the north could be split between Cal Expo and Santa Rosa.

“Negotiations are continuing,” said Swartzlander. “We'll work with them [WatchandWager Cal Expo] to come up with a solution. Whether we end up with a 50-50 split between Cal Expo and Santa Rosa, or whether we end up relocating Harness to another track, there's several options.”

The California legislature goes into recess on Sept. 14. October 14 is the last day for California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign or veto bills passed by the legislature on or before Sept. 14.

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Mike Smith To CHRB: New Riding Crop Rule Putting Jockeys, Horses At Greater Risk

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, co-chair of the Jockeys' Guild, has written a letter to California Horse Racing Board members on behalf of the Guild and California riders criticizing a restrictive riding crop rule that went into effect on Oct. 1 over concerns for the safety of horses and riders and the integrity of the sport.

The rule, CHRB 1688, restricts both the manner and frequency with which jockeys may use the riding crop. Under CHRB 1688:

The crop must be used in an underhanded position with the crop always at or below the shoulder level of the jockey.
A maximum of six strikes with hands off the reins is permitted during a race; not more than twice in succession.
There is not a limit on the number of times a jockey may strike a horse on the shoulder while both hands are on the reins, and “flagging” a horse is permitted.

Smith said the rule “to restrict the use of the riding crop to the underhand position … is completely against the technique that every jockey has been taught on the proper use of the riding crop. It is contrary to our instincts and techniques, which in turn is impacting our balance and reaction time. We strongly believe that regulation is extremely hazardous and has added an even greater risk and uncertainty to our profession.”

He also voiced the concerns of riders for racing integrity, saying, “In multiple races over the weekend, jockeys were limited in the encouragement they were able to give the horses, which in turn impacted the outcome of the race and jockeys were unable to maximize placing of the horses.”

Following is the full text of the Oct. 8 letter from Smith to members of the CHRB, a copy of which was obtained by the Paulick Report:

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Dear Members of the California Horse Racing Board

Please accept this letter on behalf of the Jockeys' Guild and all of the jockeys in California. I am writing to you, as well as copying Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Bill Dodd, and Asm. Adam Gray, in yet another effort to express the concerns of the California jockeys regarding CHRB 1688 Use of the Riding Crop, which went into effect on October 1, 2020.

Since the consideration to the changes to the Use of the Riding Crop regulations were introduced, we have voiced various reasons for opposition, including our concerns about safety and the integrity of the sport. In the weeks leading up to the implementation, there were several meetings with the riders at Santa Anita, Golden Gate, and Los Alamitos, including both the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys, in which we had discussions on how to move forward.

After the jockeys have attempted to comply with CHRB 1688 this weekend, our concerns have been reiterated and we strongly believe that more than one of us will suffer a serious injury, or even possibly death, from your new rule 1688, which has never been used in the United States, or anywhere else for that matter. In light of the fact that one of our fellow jockeys, Vinnie Bednar, was recently paralyzed in a racing accident at Los Alamitos, the risks are fresh in our minds. And now, you have implemented regulations, that many people, including jockeys, owners, and trainers, believe have created even more safety hazards. The reality is we are very alarmed about the lack of concern for our safety and well-being. Furthermore, not only do we have a concern for our own welfare, but also have grave concerns about the risks being created for the horses.

The CHRB stated the intent is to improve the safety and welfare of the horses with the restrictions on the use of the riding crop. However, as Senator Dodd stated regarding his recently passed racing reform legislation in California, “the goal is to improve the safety of HORSES AND JOCKEYS.”

Unfortunately, historically jockeys have not had a voice and have been considered a lower aspect of racing, both socioeconomically and politically, often times due to race and lack of education. With regards to the Use of the Riding Crop in California it seems this has continued to be the case. We have attempted to participate in the rule making process and provide input based on our professional knowledge and experience. However, for whatever reason, our concerns were not given credence. Even though, the reality is, we are the people who are risking our lives, balancing on the balls of our feet, in a very narrow stirrup, going 35-50 miles per hour on a 1,200 pound horse, surrounded by other jockeys who are doing the same thing.

To restrict the use of the riding crop to the underhand position, as you have currently imposed, is completely against the technique that every jockey has been taught on the proper use of the riding crop. It is contrary to our instincts and techniques, which in turn is impacting our balance and reaction time. We strongly believe that regulation is extremely hazardous and has added an even greater risk and uncertainty to our profession.

Furthermore, to change to specifications of the actual crops we are using, adds to the difficulty of the regulation that is being imposed. The jockeys feel that the use current cushioned riding crop is safer for the equine athlete and does not compromise the horse's welfare. We were actively involved in the refinements and the adoption of the current riding crop to reduce the impact to the equine athlete. When the current cushioned riding crop was introduced, it was strongly encouraged that the horses be subject to inspection by a veterinarian, either regulatory or official, looking for cuts, welts, or bruises on the skin, with any adverse finding being reported to the Stewards. Over the past ten years, when the approved cushioned riding crops were used in the appropriate manner, the welts and cuts have almost been completely eliminated. With that being said, we are supportive of any improvements that can be made to the existing riding crop to create an even more humane crop.

However, any rule making on the composition of the crop must be done in a thoughtful manner after research and input and considerations from the jockeys.

In addition to the increased dangers, there has also been a serious impact on the integrity and outcome of the races. In multiple races over the weekend, jockeys were limited in the encouragement they were able to give the horses, which in turn impacted the outcome of the race and jockeys were unable to maximize placing of the horses. The owners, along with the betting public, both of whom are the driving force behind our sport, were not afforded every possible opportunity maximize return on their investment.

Given the penalties and perils you have created, you are imposing great pressures on the jockeys, to the extent that some are considering leaving California to ride in jurisdictions which are still allowing for reasonable and responsible use of the riding crop. My home, along with several other jockeys, many of whom are Latino, is in California. We do not want to be forced to leave. However, the fear of grave injury and the unreasonable penalties are making many of us reconsider continuing to ride in California.

As the Guild and the jockeys have continued to say the ultimate goal is to establish a standard that is in the best interest of the welfare of the horse, as well as the industry as a whole, including those whose lives are at stake. However, we believe that the new CHRB rule, as adopted, is actually unsafe and will be detrimental to our industry. As such, we are pleading and implore you to reconsider the changes that have been rushed through without thorough consideration of the dangerous implications you have created for us, as well as the horses.

Sincerely,

Mike E. Smith

Co-Chair, Jockeys' Guild

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Newsom Signs Legislation Designed To Improve Racing Safety In California

On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to improve horse racing safety across California and build on reforms adopted last year.

The governor also signed a second horse racing bill, co-authored by Sen. Dodd and Assemblymember Adam Gray, D-Merced, incorporating recommendations from the California Horse Racing Board.

“The horse racing industry must accept and adopt forward-thinking solutions as the health and welfare of the sport's human and equine athletes are paramount to their future in California,” said Gov. Newsom. “These bills are an essential step to create a safer and more transparent horse racing experience for everyone involved and can serve as a model for other states to follow.”

“Making horse racing safer for horses and jockeys is critical for the future of this sport,” Sen. Dodd said. “Thanks to Gov. Newsom for signing my bill, which will help ensure track conditions are right and horses are fit before they hit the starting gate.”

Last year, 37 horses died at Santa Anita Park, prompting calls for immediate action. Sen. Dodd wrote Senate Bill 469, which was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, allowing the California Horse Racing Board to suspend racing at tracks where dangerous conditions exist.

This year, Sen. Dodd followed up with Senate Bill 800, which incorporates reforms recommended by the CHRB, including improved veterinary medical review prior to races and increased transparency in drug testing. The second bill, AB 1974, provides additional safeguards.

Sen. Dodd chairs the Senate Governmental Organization Committee, which sets policy for the horse racing industry, among other things.

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California Bill For Improved Racing Safety Passes State Legislature

The California legislature approved a bill late Sunday from Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) to improve horse racing safety across California and build on reforms adopted last year.

“We must do everything possible to make horse racing safer for animals and jockeys, and this bill takes another step in that direction,” Dodd said. “I thank the legislature for approving my plan, which will help ensure track conditions are right and horses are fit before they hit the starting gate.”

Sen. Dodd's new bill, Senate Bill 800, is expected to incorporate reforms recommended by the California Horse Racing Board, including improved veterinary medical review prior to races and increased transparency in drug testing.

It passed the Senate and Assembly Sunday night, and heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature.

Sen. Dodd chairs the Senate Governmental Organization Committee, which sets policy for the horse racing industry, among other things.

To view the bill's language, click here.

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