HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING
OF THE CTBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
APRIL 18, 2002, ARCADIA, CA

Directors Present

John Barr
Clydene Boots
Jeanne Canty
Keith Card
Wes Fitzpatrick
John Harris
Leigh Ann Howard
Patrick Hurley
Joan Rogers
Dan Schiffer
Scoop Vessels

Present by Phone

Dan Harralson
Dennis Meagher
Suzanne Pashayan

Not Present

Gail Gregson
Trudy McCaffery

The meeting was called to order at 10:03 a.m., and the president announced that a quorum was present.

1. President's Discussion. The president congratulated those board members who are breeders of Kentucky Derby starters, Trudy McCaffery (Came Home) and Joan Rogers (Lusty Latin). 

Del Mar Sales Inspections. The president turned his discussion over to Jeanne Canty, who reported on input from breeders during the recent Del Mar Sale inspections. Many breeders had indicated their wish for two inspectors instead of the current single inspector, and asked Jeanne to bring this matter to the board. In addition, breeders wanted the inspector's cards to be marked with more detail. It was suggested by the board that a trainee be sent along to learn inspection techniques, so a plan for the future will be in place. The president asked the Sales Committee to review the inspection process with Richard Matlow and Tom Bunn, with an eye toward future improvements. Doug Burge presented an inspection card used in Kentucky as an example of a more thorough reporting device.

2. Sales Committee. Doug Burge reported that the breeding season appeared to be progressing well, that breeders were optimistic and upbeat, stallions were booking well, and the yearlings presented for inspection were an outstanding group. Scoop Vessels added that the incentive program has really helped the quality of horses. The final decisions about Del Mar entries will be made on April 29. It is our understanding that the Del Mar facility will be reconditioned before sale time, including painting of the barns, a larger wash rack, a permanent food concession stand, and a new restroom/shower facility. We're expecting a good sale!

3. Treasurer's Report. The association is currently operating well within its budget. The website costs need to be broken out for analysis.

4. Racing. There are 250 nomination for Gold Rush Day, and a number of farms are sponsoring races. Hollywood Park has devoted a lot of time, effort, and money into making this day one of the highlights of their annual Spring meeting.

The committee will, at its next meeting, discuss the possibility of augmenting purses for certain races for this year's Cal Cup and will revisit the structure of the starter races on that day, which no longer carry black type qualification.

5. Cal Cup XIII. Keith Card asked for suggestions for improvements, including racing, giveaway, food, theme, sponsorships. (KeithCard@yahoo.com) Ticket prices for the infield party will probably remain the same as last year--$65, perhaps including two drink tickets and no open bar. Cal Cup will take place the week after the Breeders Cup. 

6. Legislative. John Harris emphasized that Bob Fox, our legislative analyst, is doing a terrific job. The bill supporting Cal-Bred incentive payment flexibility for the Sunshine Millions and the Great State Challenge is out of the GO committee. We support the concept behind the bill to permit trainers to be members and board members of the TOC, realizing that some details, such as a cap on percentage of board membership, need to be agreed upon. We support the bill permitting the Fresno Fair to share simulcast host fees with Bay Meadows. We are concerned about raising the takeout to fund Workers Compensation for fear that the State will see a source of funds for itself. We currently have one of the lowest takeout rates in the country.In California total takeout on WPS wagering is 15.43% and takeout on Exotic wagers is 20.18%. Many states use takeout rates of 25% or more on certain exotic wagers. 

7. Safety Network. This is a new committee, chaired by Clydene Boots, with the objective of examining issues regarding retired race horses. The emphasis is not on warehousing the horses but on advance planning for second careers. It is felt that breeders do a good job of caring for their aged and infirm horses now.


Meeting adjourned at 12:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Rogers, Board Secretary