Santa Anita fatalities | Horse Racing Free Tips

Op/Ed: ‘Even More Transparency’ Needed At California Tracks

The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board acknowledged improved equine safety measures at Santa Anita Park over the past two years, reducing equine fatalities from 37 over the 2019 season to 16 over the same period in 2020. Still, the editorial board insists there are more steps to be taken to prevent further on-track fatalities across the entire state of California.

First, there should be public postings of all necropsy and fatality reviews on horses that die on California tracks.

“The horse racing board already posts annual overall reports on fatalities and types of injuries, but even more transparency is called for,” wrote the editorial board.

Another suggestion was a centralized pharmacy at the racetrack, which is the only source for medications.

Finally, while Santa Anita's PET scan has been a good investment, the editorial board believes the machine should be used on asymptomatic horses prior to a race. Additionally, a 3D walk-in CAT scanner could be added to track veterinarians' tool kit.

Read more at the Los Angeles Times.

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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.”

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.

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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