Sen. Dodd Issues Statement on Horse Racing Board Report

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, released the following statement today regarding the report from the California Horse Racing Board on racing horse deaths at Santa Anita Park:

“The board issued a thorough investigative report that makes a number of key findings and recommendations,” Sen. Dodd said. “Ensuring safety is and must remain our top priority. Already, the board has adopted important changes. Where statutory authority is needed, I’ve introduced my own bill to reduce the risks to horses and jockeys.”

Senate Bill 800, introduced in January, would codify key recommendations from the Los Angeles District Attorney and the board to increase transparency through drug testing while ensuring the availability of veterinary records. Last year, Sen. Dodd authored SB 469, which authorizes the board to halt racing at tracks where dangerous conditions exist. It was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The Horse Racing Board report covered the period of Dec. 31, 2019 to March 31, 2019 when 23 thoroughbred horses died at Santa Anita.

Sen. Dodd chairs the Senate Governmental and Organization committee, which oversees horse racing among other things.

Link to report: chrb_santa_anita_fatalities_report_3-10-20.pdf

 

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd