Horse Racing Documentary Based in California

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2001) -- Filmmakers Robin Rosenthal and Bill Yahraus will spend a year shooting a documentary on horse racing in California beginning Dec, 26 with the opening of the Santa Anita winter meet.

Rosenthal and Yahraus, who are husband and wife, are acquiring approvals from the California Horse Racing Board and racetracks for the project. They met with stewards, CHRB Chairman Alan Landsburg, and CHRB personnel, including Dr. William Bell, the official veterinarian at Santa Anita, to arrange for access to secure areas, such as the saddling paddock, receiving barn, and stable area.

The filmmakers have obtained approval from management at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park for access to seating sections and other public areas. They also are planning trips to horse sales, breeding farms, research facilities, and various nationally and internationally significant races.

"They are very professional and knowledgeable about horse racing," said Landsburg, an award-winning film producer, director, and writer who has developed documentaries on horse racing for the CHRB and the Thoroughbred Owners of California.

"We were very impressed with their attitudes," said steward Tom Ward. "They understand that the safety of horses and their handlers is our principal concern. If other trainers and owners feel that the presence of a camera is unsettling to their horses, the crew will politely leave that area."

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