2003 Cal-bred News

Highlights of the CTBA Board Meeting
April 9, 2003

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

Minutes of the March 12, 2003 meeting were unanimously approved.

President's Report:

Discussion took place regarding the retirement of horses after their initial career has come to a close. The CTBA supports to the equine retirement and outplacement programs that offer horses the opportunities to be enjoyed in other endeavors. The CTBA also utilizes its communication capabilities to facilitate the flow of ex-racehorses in need of retraining and placement as well as provide race to sport articles in the California Thoroughbred Magazine.

General Manager's Report:

Doug Burge reviewed the total incentive award revenues to date, which are slightly down (1%) from last year.

A Sunshine Millions review meeting was held in March. Long-term agreement for this event is anticipated. Discussion at the meeting included expanded national television coverage, increase time between races, changes in purses, entry/starting fees, qualification of horses to enter, shipping incentives, and other relevant issues.

A discussion was conducted on the rules for Black Type. The ICSC (International Cataloging Standards Committee) has reviewed CTBA concerns but has reiterated that it will not change the new rules adopted for 2003. Thus amenities will be made to the conditions of certain Cal-bred races at Del Mar, so that those races will still qualify for black type.

Treasurer's Report:

John Barr presented the February financial statements circulated with pre-meeting material. No significant variances with budget were disclosed.

Sales Committee:

The process of the August sale was continuing as planned and inspections are to begin next Monday, the 14th of April and be completed by mid May.

Education Committee:

Planning for the Harris Ranch Seminar in September was review by Dr. Meagher. The topics to be presented include surgical procedures to correct legs in young horses, discussion of OCD lesions as well as EPM. It was suggested that the subject of alternative therapies be included as part of the presentations.

Racing Committee:

Gold Rush is coming up, Saturday April 26 at Hollywood Park. There were 259 horses nominated to the 10 races. Total purses for the event will be $1.3 million. As in the past, the lavish Gold Rush party will take place in the Turf Club, with fine food and exciting promotional giveaways.

Legislation Committee:

The mood in the State Capital is complicated by the battle over how best to handle the huge budget deficit California is facing. There is considerable debate between Republicans and Democrats on what combination of budget cuts and/or tax increases should occur, with little consensus developing thus far.

CTBA will monitor any proposals to reinstate the state portion of sales and use tax on brood mares, farms equipment or diesel fuel used on farms, as well as license fee relief that was realized a few years ago. We feel that these items contribute to the overall state's economy and removing them would not generate incremental net revenue.

The workers compensation insurance issue continues to remain a focus of California legislators. This is a statewide issue that impacts all business. Racing stables and horse farms have seen very significant cost increases recently, plus many operations are having a difficult time placing their insurance.

CTBA and other racing industry leaders attended two recent legislative events, which were very successful in meeting and educating legislators of the importance of racing and breeding thoroughbred horses.

Web Site Committee:

The web site continues to be a good resource. The committee intends to review the site in view of the knowledge that web sites go stale, even good ones, if they are not changed from time to time.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:30pm.