California Horse Racing Board decision poses danger to all trainers

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The racing industry has been taking a long look at ways to improve safety for horses and riders. In an attempt to reduce injuries, racing associations have spent millions of dollars on synthetic surfaces. Additional millions have been spent at UC Davis reviewing and analyzing injuries.But the search for safety may now have gone too far and it may be turning into a witch hunt. During the past few months, the CHRB has accused three trainers of violating CHRB regulation 1902.5:

Edward I. Halpern, CTT Exec (
08 April 2009 - Issue number 12)

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No need for a rain dance in March after significantly wet February

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The month of February has brought a significant amount of rain to Northern California. It is inconvenient, but this year it is sure needed. In years past, rain would have meant sealed racetracks, fortunately, that is no longer the case. That change came as a result of the Tapeta track at Golden Gate Fields.
Charles E. Dougherty, Jr. CTT Deputy Director
 (08 April 2009 - I2)

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CTT - The Changing Face of Racing Part 2

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Are any of us old enough to remember a time when the training of Thoroughbreds was about providing enough care and enough exercise to obtain optimal performance? I suppose such a time existed, but not in recent memory. Hands on therapy and horsemanship have been replaced by fast acting and less labor intensive drugs and medications. By way of example, in the last decade we have seen the elimination of equipment such as the whirlpool tub.
Edward I. Halpern, CTT Exec - (14 October 2008 - Issue Number: 10)

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Eoin Harty - profile of the former assistant to Bob Baffert

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There was always an air of levity at Bob Baffert's barn when Eoin Harty worked there. Not that the game they played wasn't serious. It was. Preparing 1,000-pound equine athletes with spindly legs to perform at their peak on the world's stage is not a job for anyone in short pants.During the seven years Harty was Baffert's assistant, they won the Kentucky Derby twice - with Silver Charm in 1997 and Real Quiet in 1998-and missed by a heart-breaking nose with Cavonnier in 1996. But in between the regimented tedium, there was always time for a good hoot. Fact is, it was and still is part of Baffert's DNA.
26 June 2008 - Issue Number: 6

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Taking Time to Review your Hiring Procedures

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The Federal Government has stepped up enforcement and prosecution of EMPLOYERS who hire undocumented workers. Felony criminal prosecution and fines are being imposed for employers who cannot show they have taken the steps required in the hiring process.If as an employer you have a perspective employee fill out the Form I-9 (U.S. Department of Homeland Security Employment Eligibility Verification form), and you examine the required documents, you will not be fined or prosecuted, even if it turns out that the documents were falsified and the employee turns out to be an undocumented alien. Of course, if you knew the worker was undocumented, you can still be fined or jailed. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you follow the procedures that are outlined below.
Edward I. Halpern  (14 February 2008 - Issue Number: 7)

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News from North California - Saving Bay Meadows

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The appeal by the "Save Bay Meadows"Committee was heard before the 1stDistrict Court of Appeals on September 19. By all accounts, a decision is due by the Court before the end of the calendar year of 2007. If successful, the citizens group will push that the Bay Meadows development be put to a vote by San Mateo residents as to whether they want the proposed project to move forward. If the appeal is denied, it basically ends any hope that Bay Meadows will not be developed in the near future. It seems almost certain that Bay Meadows Land Company would start their project in the fall of 2008.
Charles E. Dougherty, Jr. CTT Deputy Director (First Published: 01 Dec 2007)

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Northern California Report

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As the summer fair racing circuit of 2007 starts to wind down, the anxiety as to what Northern California's overall racing circuit will look like starts to grow. By all indications, Bay Meadows will not race after 2008.While many horsemen held out hope that Bay Meadows would be spared of their development plans and continue to race, that scenario looks less likely each day. In fact, the Bay Meadows Land Company (BMLC) is telling the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) that they would only like to race until July of 2008. It is very disappointing that BMLC has taken this position, as they made such an issue of not originally being granted an exemption for the synthetic surface mandate. The CHRB granted the waiver, with BMLC now saying they can't race past the summer months. Go figure! The CTT is very involved in negotiations in trying to get Bay Meadows to commit to a stabling program through the fall if they do not race after July of 2008.
Charles E. Dougherty, Jr. CTT Deputy Director (01 October 2007 )

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California Horse Racing Board explain their drug testing procedures

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The rules of racing are intended to maintain a level playing field; any drug testing program is meant to monitor compliance to those rules. In reality, drug testing is a deterrent. For truly illicit activity where the intent is to take an unfair advantage (cheat), the current program in California is working well. But we know it isn't perfect. We are always looking for holes in the system and ways to improve the program.
Rick M. Arthur, DVM, - (01 July 2007 - Issue Number: 4)

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THE FUTURE OF RACING IN CALIFORNIA - A NEW SAGA

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California is racing into the future, or maybe not. As of writing, there is turmoil and uncertainty as to how racing will develop in the immediate future. A long-term prognosis is even more uncertain. The California Legislature has placed a stranglehold on funding for the California Horse Racing Board.
Edward I. Halpern, CTT Exec - (01 July 2007 - Issue Number: 4)

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Gregson Foundation Honors Joe & Barbara Harper

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Twin Palms in Pasadena was jammed with 400 guests on April 23 to honor Joe and Barbara Harper of Del Mar at the annual Edwin J. Gregson Foundation benefit hosted by California Thoroughbred Trainers. About $100,000 was raised for the foundation, which since its inception seven years ago, has raised close to $1 million specifically for educational purposes for backstretch workers and their families.
Steve Schuelein (01 July 2007 - Issue Number: 4)

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Holiday Wishes

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The New Year Brings New Benefits to California’s Trainers and Their Employees.This edition brings news of two Christmas bonuses for trainers in California. The first is an accident and disability policy that will be provided without cost to trainers who are in the CHSA Workers’ Compensation Program. Trainers who are injured at the workplace are not covered by workers’ compensation because employers are routinely excluded from such coverage. Fortunately, because of the financial success of our program, we are about to announce a policy that will provide accident and disability coverage for trainers. This coverage will be at no cost to participants and will provide up to $500,000 in medical benefits and $200 in weekly wage loss indemnity for up to two years. It is anticipated that additional coverage will be available for a very small premium. We are hoping to announce the rollout of the program by January 1, 2008.
Edward I. Halpern, CTT Exec - ( 01 December 2007 - Issue Number: 6 )

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Flunixin and Clenbuterol - changes in the CHRB rules

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Two important amendments to CHRB rule 1844 became effective on October 20, 2007. The flunixin regulatory threshold was raised to 50ng/ml in blood form the previous 20ng/ml. This should have little impact in the day-to-day operation of most stables.
Rick M. Arthur, DVM (01 December 2007 - Issue Number: 6)

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Warren Stute - a look back at a lifetime of uncompromising standards

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Shortly after his 80th birthday a few years ago, trainer Warren Stute agreed to stop galloping his horses. "I could still do it, but I promised my family so they would stop worrying," the wiry old-timer confided begrudgingly to a Hollywood Park publicist in his gruff voice after being slowed by a minor stroke.
Steve Schuelein(01 October 2007 - Issue Number: 5)

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