$56 Newly Gelded Winner in California Prompts Potential Rule Changes

Recently at Hollywood Park, a horse who was only reported gelded 30 minutes before post time (giving no chance for horizontal handicappers to change their tickets, or use the information) won, paying $56.  According to the CHRB agenda (pdf) of today's meeting, this has been going on for some time. Currently the trainer is fined $1000 for not giving the race office the information on time, so the betting public has full disclosure.

Jeff Platt sent the following letter on behalf of HANA to the CHRB. We hope they take a look at protecting the customers even more than they propose.

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Re: Agenda Item 3, CHRB Meeting 12/15/2011

I am writing to urge the Commissioners of the CHRB to vote in favor of improving the integrity of California racing.

The proposed rule change, whereby a horse gelded since its most recent start (but not reported as gelded by the horse’s connections) will be allowed to run for purse money on race day does not go far enough to preserve the integrity of the game.

Instead of allowing such horses to run for purse money on race day when the connections have failed to report such horses as gelded, I urge you to:

1. Impose the current $1000 fine (per rule 1865.)

2. Order such horses scratched on race day.

By ordering such horses scratched and not allowing the connections to earn purse money with such horses on race day, you will be sending a very clear message to tracks, horsemen, AND THE WAGERING PUBLIC that the integrity of the game is of the utmost importance.

Sincerely,

Jeff Platt

President, HANA (The Horseplayers Association of North America)