CA Gov. Signs Bill Allowing State Board to Suspend Horse Racing

LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed legislation giving the California Horse Racing Board the unilateral authority to suspend racing at a track to protect horses or riders.

The legislation, SB 469, was signed just days after the Santa Anita race Park in Arcadia concluded a six-month racing season that was marred by the deaths of 30 horses.

SB 469 allows the board to suspend racing licenses ``when necessary to protect the health and safety of horses and riders.'' The board could previously recommend a suspension of racing, but the track owner would have to consent to the move.

Racing was halted at Santa Anita for most of March while examinations were conducted on the track. Races resumed April 4 after the state horse racing board approved a series of safety measures, and Santa Anita officials announced a series of new measures to help bolster the safety of horses at the track.

The new safety measures include restrictions on certain medications, requiring trainers to get permission in advance before putting a horse through a workout and investing in diagnostic equipment to aid in the early detection of pre-existing conditions.

On June 9, responding to the 28th death of the season, the Horse Racing Board recommended the facility suspend racing for its final two weekends.

Track officials declined, but at the recommendation of Newsom, agreed to the formation of a safety review team to evaluate horses and determine if they would be at risk by racing. The panel, made up of veterinarians and stewards, reviewed the fitness of horses and had the authority to scratch horses from races if there any health concerns.

The panel scratched or refused entry to 38 horses in races during the final two weekends of racing at Santa Anita, according to the racing board.

City News Service contributed to this report.