HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CTBA BOARD MEETING 

May 16, 2001 

This list of highlights from the CTBA board meeting is published to give members a brief look at the topics and issues discussed. These are not the official minutes of the Board meeting. Information here has not necessarily been voted upon, and does not constitute a formal statement of direction or opinion. 

I. President’s Report (Wes Fitzpatrick): Frank Stronach has made an interesting proposal for a series of races called the Sunshine Cup. It would feature contests between California breds and Florida breds, and be run at different times in both states. Purses would be attractive. Mr. Stronach suggests that such a program could have a dramatic impact on regional TB industries. The Board supports this concept and expressed willingness to work with him to make it happen in a way acceptable to the California breeding industry. A letter of support is being drafted to send to Mr. Stronach in response. Issues include how to fund such an undertaking. The initial plan incorporates significant funding from nomination fees. 

The NTRA is currently revising a proposal for special racing event days in seven different regions, including one in Canada. 

Each board member was asked to complete an evaluation form about board effectiveness and his or her commitment and participation. 

II. General Manager’s Report (Doug Burge): Frank Stronach has indicated that he is interested in further participation in the California breeding industry. 

Doug reported that the recent TOC survey yielded positive results toward the CTBA and the Incentive Awards Program. 

The CTBA board has solicited proposals from Public Relations firms for a plan to better position and explain the total California thoroughbred industry to the legislature and the public. The Board feels that implementing such a plan can bring great benefits to racing in our state. A proposal was forwarded to Magna Entertainment, Churchill Downs, and the TOC. Doug expects that it will be budgeted in 2001, and discussions have taken place regarding funding. We expect overall industry support for the plan. The NTRA has agreed to share data that it has accumulated. 

Scoop Vessels attended the American Horse Council meeting in Washington. Some states have local chapters comprising representatives from various horse breeds. California does not. Such a chapter could give the horse industry as a whole a greater voice in Sacramento, as some issues, such as environmental issues, cross breed divisions. Doug will call AHC president Jay Hickey to discuss starting a California chapter. 

III. Treasurer’s Report (Jim Murphy for John Barr): The organization is within budget for the reporting period. Revenues from foal registrations and advertising are up. 

The computer conversion is completely done, but the sales company and membership data need to be transferred before the old computer and the costs of supporting it can be eliminated. Doug Burge and Jim Murphy were commended for their efforts in staying on budget. 

IV. Sales Committee (Scoop Vessels): As the result of a harder line taken on both pedigree and conformation, acceptances have been limited to 154 yearlings. Of these 131 (85%) are Cal-Breds. The objective was to provide a venue for California breeders to showcase their most prized yearlings. 

There will be an aggressive advertising plan leading up to the sale, beginning in July. This plan will include magazine inserts, mailers, ESPN spots, and radio spots on racing shows in both Northern and Southern California. 

V. Racing Committee (Doug Burge for John Barr): Gold Rush Day was very successful. On-track handle was up 10% (overall handle exceeded $17 million). Hollywood Park was pleased with the results. 

The Cal Cup will take place on Saturday, November 3, the Saturday after the Breeders Cup. The decision to move the date back was made so Cal Cup won’t have to compete with the Breeders Cup ads, and because the new date will give Oak Tree a better opportunity to write prep races for Cal Cup. 

VI. Legislative Committee (Doug Burge for John Harris): AS 856, the labor bill, is in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. We have significant support in opposition to this bill. It again appears possible to merge it with account wagering because the bill’s sponsors are concerned that it may be in trouble in its current form in the Senate. Its card check process for signing up members is not standard in any industry. We have heard rumors that the governor may be more favorably disposed this year toward account wagering. 

AS 904, the bill to eliminate sales tax on breeding stock, is in the suspense file and will probably not progress this year because of the cost of the energy crisis. 

VII. Website Committee (Joan Rogers): Ken Gurnick has worked with Eric Anderson in designing a livelier home page, which design was presented to the board. This new page contains an easy-to-use navigation bar, more room for breaking news, and places for paid advertising. 

VIII. Magazine Committee (Trudy McCaffery): Rudi Groothedde reported that magazine revenues are up, as is the use of color and the amount of editorial. Deanna Sparks, the new advertising manager, has as her goal enough ads to pay for a special Del Mar supplement that is planned. This supplement will contain the history of the sale decade by decade, as well as articles about graduates and entries. Rudi also presented a new editorial calendar and rate card of the sort available from many publications. 

IX. Education Committee (Leigh Ann Howard): The Harris Farms seminar will be titled “What You Really Need to Know About Pedigrees and Other Mating Theories.” Confirmed speakers include Clydene Boots, the breeder of Richter Scale; Rommy Faversham, author of Inbreeding to Superior Females; Jack Glengarry, author of Upgrading Thoroughbred Families and Let’s Breed a Champion Racehorse; Marianna Haun, author of The X-Factor and Hidden X; Ellen Parker, noted contributor to California Thoroughbred; Anne Peters, editor of Owner Breeder; Alan Porter, author of Patterns of Greatness I and II; and Randy Trimble, president of Computer Horse Breeders. 

The seminar is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 21-22. Tickets are $85 per person. 

American Equine Sales is planning an educational event the evening before the AES yearling sale. The subject has not yet been selected. 

Planning for the Del Mar Trade Show is underway. The NTRA “Racing Experience” truck will be on the grounds for the sale. 

X. Membership Committee (Clydene Boots): The committee is focusing on practical, cost-effective approaches to increasing membership. The recent TOC survey identified lots of people who should be members but are not. As one inexpensive effort designed to give a personal touch, congratulatory notes are now being sent to owners and breeders of Cal-Bred winners, along with CTBA information and a suggestion that the person should join CTBA. The CTBA needs to budget for a field representative to visit breeders and farms. 

In closing, the CTBA staff was commended for a job well done

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