April 24, 2020
During these difficult times, TOC continues to work with the CHRB, CTT, the Stronach Group and local and state authorities to get live racing re-started in California as soon as possible. To keep our members informed, we will provide regular updates.
Update on Racing in Southern California
Santa Anita met (virtually) with the LA County Health Department and LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office and underwent a thorough and thoughtful review of the attached proposal submitted to resume live racing as soon as possible at Santa Anita. The comprehensive science based written proposal was submitted last Thursday April 16.
While Santa Anita is first and foremost in all of our minds as horse owners, we are one of literally hundreds of businesses asking for either the LA County Department of Health to deem racing “an essential business” or provide for an appropriate exception to the current COVID-19 order. The process Santa Anita is working though with the Health Department is thorough and time consuming. Santa Anita has been informed they will be receiving an answer shortly but with no specific time table.
From the time they receive confirmation that they can resume racing from the Department of Public Health, Santa Anita expects a delay of 7-10 days to re-open for live racing with full implementation of the new safety protocols.
As mentioned previously, TOC is exploring alternate live racing solutions, including continuing to monitor the live racing currently being conducted at Los Alamitos. At the CHRB monthly meeting this week, CHRB approved the Los Alamitos thoroughbred live dates scheduled to commence June 25th. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials continue to look forward to hosting their summer meet commencing July 18th.
Stabling Remains Open
We are pleased to report our data indicates our Southern California horse population remains nearly the same as it was before the COVID-19 stoppage. Thank you to all of our owners for keeping our circuit intact during these challenging times.
In an effort to provide more stability for California Thoroughbred owners and trainers, on Tuesday of this week the Stabling & Vanning Committee approved funding to keep the Southern California auxiliary training facilities – San Luis Rey Downs and Los Alamitos – open at least through June. These auxiliary facilities are normally funded during live racing from a portion of pari-mutuel handle. In the temporary absence of that funding source, the costs will be covered by Stabling & Vanning reserves through June 30.
Golden Gate also continues to provide training and stabling for approximately 1000 horses without stabling charges to trainers or owners.
CARF (California Authority of Racing Fairs) /Golden Gate
At its April 22 teleconference board meeting, the CHRB delayed action on CARF ‘s license application for the Pleasanton summer meet for one month due to concerns regarding the potential cancellation of the Pleasanton Fair. We will continue to work with CARF and The Stronach Group on creating a workable summer racing schedule in the north.
SBA Loan Information
President Trump signed into law today an emergency aid package providing additional relief to small businesses and health care facilities, and the Small Business Administration released updated guidance that will assist the horse industry. For more information, click here.
