2003 Cal-bred News

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CTBA BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 12, 2003

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. The president announced that a quorum was present.

Minutes of the December 4, 2002 meeting were unanimously approved.

President’s Report:

Motion was made to have a Media Award in connection with the CTBA’s Annual Meeting. The Board discussed and approved the inclusion of a Media Award with future year-end awards. Recipients will be honored at the Annual Meeting.

Wes Fitzpatrick reminded the board that his three-year term as president was up and thanked the directors and staff for their support the past few years.

Elections for 2003-2004 offices took place:

Daniel Q. Schiffer, President

Scoop Vessels, Vice President

Keith Card, Vice President

John Barr, Treasurer

Dennis Meagher, Secretary

Dan Schiffer assumed the role as President and chaired the remainder of the meeting.

General Manager’s Report:

Doug Burge gave a report on the recent Annual Meeting and Sunshine Millions Day. The Awards luncheon was well attended with nearly 250 CTBA members on hand at Santa Anita. The Sunshine Millions provided tremendous exposure for Cal-breds while competing for such lucrative purses. The T.V. rating on NBC was reported at 1.5 households rating which compares favorably to the Breeders’ Cup recent 2.0 rating. The racing results were disappointing with Cal-breds winning one race, although we had three seconds and two thirds. The handle at Santa Anita was just under twenty million, which was very impressive. Racing fans desire such competitive races that are well promoted. The Sunshine Millions committee will meet in March to review the event, make recommendations, and confirm a commitment to the future.

Doug Burge also discussed the incentive awards disbursement, which will be made prior to March 31. The Breeders Award percentage is estimated to be similar to 2002 at nearly 16% of the eligible purse winnings.

Treasurer’ Report:

The CTBA operating budget for 2003 was unanimously approved.

Sales Committee:

Scoop Vessels discussed the 2003 Del Mar Yearling Sale including a revised inspection card that would be utilized during the upcoming inspections. Nominators will once again receive a copy of the card. The March issue of the California Thoroughbred will include a yearling sale planner insert. This planner outlines the specifics for each of the yearling venues on the west coast.

Education Committee:

Leigh Ann Howard reported on potential topics for the Harris Farm Seminar. Also discussed was the desirability by members to have seminars at various farms throughout the state.

Racing Committee:

John Barr reported on the concerns with the recent notification that changes were made to the black type requirements in stakes races that include conditions. A small number of existing Cal-bred stake races could be affected. The CTBA is working with the International Catalog Standards Committee and the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers to reconsider these recent policy changes. It is the CTBA’s goal to offer as many black type opportunities as possible.

Legislation Committee:

John Harris reported on the introduction of legislation that would allow the CTBA to pay Breeder and Stallion awards on Sunshine Millions and Great State Challenge races that are conducted out of state.

He also discussed the current state deficit and that racing needs to protect the benefits of recent years.

Cal Cup Committee:

Keith Card reported that Cal Cup Day would most likely be November 8, 2003. The actual date will be firmed up in the future. There was discussion on potential give away items at the up coming event.

Meeting adjourned: 12:00 p.m.