2003 Cal-bred News

Highlights of the
CTBA Board of Directors
June 11, 2003

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

Minutes of the May 14, 2003 meeting were unanimously approved.

President’s Report:

Dan Schiffer reported that he had attended an Industry Conference titled “Enhancing the Racing Product”. In attendance were senior members of most thoroughbred racing organizations in California. He informed the Board that committees were formed to look into various issues, such as track attendance, field size, horsemen’s issues, and promotion. He advised the board members to consider their issues and that a full discussion on the subject would be held at the next meeting.

General Manager’s Report:

Doug Burge discussed various aspects of the current Sunshine Millions agreement including; the purse contribution, marketing television coverage, as well as other areas to further enhance the event. Jim McAlpine of MEC addressed the board by phone regarding the future of the event.

There was a discussion on a request by the American Horse Council to support its program with an increase in total dues. A motion was unanimously passed to support the dues request, to be paid by the CTBA Federal PAC.

Nominees provided for the TOBA breeder of the year were reviewed. Recent winners were excluded from consideration. A motion was unanimously passed to approve Ridgeley Farm as Breeder of the Year. Horses bred by Ridgeley Farm earned $1,040,000 in 101 starts in 2002, led by Gray Memo.

Treasurer’s Report:

The Treasurer briefly reviewed the most recently prepared financial statements of the association, pointing out that in all areas the income and expense levels were well within budgeted numbers. The final fiscal year end audited financial statements were distributed to all members of the board.

Funding Committee:

Pat Hurley informed the board that the Funding Committee had considered ways to meet the increase of ongoing expenses. Two areas were seriously outlined for the Board’s consideration. One is to increase the membership fee, last changed in 1988, and the other is the fee associated with registering stallions, last changed in 1997. The board voted an increase in both fees beginning in January 2004. The new fees will be $125.00 membership, $750.00 Stallion Registration. It was further noted that all increases from the Stallion registration would go into the Racing fund for distribution to purses for Cal-breds and would not be used for operational expenses.

Sales Committee:

Doug Burge reported that the Del Mar Sale catalog would be mailed in early July. A preliminary list of the 159 yearlings for inclusion in the catalog was distributed. Nearly 90% of those offered are California-breds. The Sales Committee is extremely excited about the prospects of this year’s sale.

Education Committee:

Leigh Ann Howard said that all of the presenters for the Seminar at Harris Ranch had been secured and that there would be a panel discussion, including representatives of some of the larger California farms. The date for the Seminar is September 19 and 20.

Cal Cup Committee:

Most of last year’s sponsor’s will return and there is a good possibility that additional sponsors will be signed up for this year’s event. Most of the details of the infield party have been agreed to, and the budget for the event is expected to be approved with Oak Tree in the very near future.

Fairplex will help promote Cal Cup around the time of it’s fair. With a contest at Satellite facilities to pick Cal-bred Stakes winners of the 18 Stakes races during the Fairplex race meet. The winning prize will be a table for 10 at Cal Cup.

Legislation:

The Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act (H.R. 2143) passed the House of Representatives on June 10th. Also, a harmful amendment was introduced that would have eliminated racing’s exemption. The CTBA encouraged a no vote to the amendment. The final vote on the amendment was in our favor at 186 Ayes to 237 Noes. Check out how your legislator voted at http://www.ctba.com/legislation/2003/jun11.htm A large number of California Congress members went against racing and breeding on this measure, probably because of pressure from the Indian gaming interests. We should thank those legislators that supported us, and question some that did not.

At the State level, the bill to expand satellite signals at off track facilities was withdrawn by the author, Tony Strickland. This important legislation will be brought back when racing finds another author. Legislation has been introduced that would eliminate the current Sales and Use Tax on breeding stock, diesel fuel, and farm equipment. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to keep these exemptions that place California on a level playing with our competing states that have them.

Magazine Committee:

Leigh Ann Howard proposed an inclusion in the California Thoroughbred magazine of published articles by the California Thoroughbred Trainers. The discussion favored participation, since it would have no new net costs and would enhance the image of CTBA to the trainer community.

Old Business:

Leigh Ann Howard reported that some of the retirement farms have drafted a concept of what standards the facilities should abide to, for which they would like industry approval. The terms need to be obtained for definitive review. Discussion ensued about the need for a study, possibly by an academic institution (which would be an objective party) that would ascertain actual data on the post racing career or uses of thoroughbreds. At this time, the thoroughbred community lacks sufficient data as to the current disposition of horses no longer capable of racing. This area needs to be better defined so as to properly measure the severity of the problem.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm.