Mission Statement
TOC represents the collective interests of all California Thoroughbred owners to maximize purse revenues and preserve the long-term viability of our sport. We work to accomplish this mission through ongoing negotiations and public advocacy in three primary areas:
- Negotiation and enforcement of statutorily mandated horsemen’s agreements with each of the licensed Thoroughbred racing associations, with a focus on establishing stakes and overnight races purse levels for each meet;
- Approval of wagering agreements between racing associations and other tracks, off track betting operators and advance deposit wagering (or “ADW”) companies; and
- Advocacy on all issues impacting Thoroughbred owners before the California Horse Racing Board, the California Legislature and the United States Congress.
In furtherance of this Mission, TOC represents our members’ interests in a variety of matters that directly impact Thoroughbred ownership in California, including:
- Identifying new sources of revenue to support purses;
- Determining race date calendars;
- Monitoring racing surfaces for safety and consistency;
- Establishing fair and reasonable medication rules and integrity standards;
- Securing adequate stabling and vanning opportunities at racetracks and auxiliary facilities for race-ready horses;
- Assisting the industry organizations that provide workers compensation coverage for jockeys and backstretch workers; and
- Providing continuing education on all aspects of horse ownership for new and prospective owners.
TOC Membership
All CHRB-licensed owners automatically become members of the TOC. There are no membership dues; and shortly after getting your owner’s license from the California Horse Racing Board you will receive a welcome packet from us. As the State-recognized representative of owners, TOC serves as a voice for the broad interests of Thoroughbred owners and strives to improve and increase representation of horse owners in the day-to-day activities of racing.
TOC represents owners legislatively in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. and administratively through purse negotiations with the racing associations. In addition, TOC runs educational seminars for prospective, new, and veteran owners.
