Two bills in the California Legislature intended to address the future of Thoroughbred racing have been passed by their respective chambers, Senate Bill 1072 and Assembly Bill 2414, and will soon await promised signatures by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Concerned over possible negative consequences to horsemen through the enactment of "exchange wagering" in California racing, California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) was forced to oppose the legislation vigorously when the originally agreed language relating to purses was suddenly amended to enable exchange betting, with no appropriate public debate about the detailed terms included in the bill and no wide understanding of the consequences it may have.

CTT's efforts, joining MI Development and Churchill Downs, resulted in a number of important changes to the original exchange wagering language in the legislation, including a delay in any possible implementation to at least May 2012, and a "sunset clause" for the exchange wagering language added the last day of the legislative session, August 31, to AB 2414. Without the concerted efforts involving CTT, the only horsemen's organization to express opposition, it is unlikely that these important protections would have been enacted. Moreover, through the efforts of CTT and its lobbyists, as well as MID and Churchill, many legislators learned for the first time about exchange betting, future risks to purses that may arise from it, and challenges for protecting the integrity of the sport. During the time between now and May 2012, CTT and others will undertake to study the concept and economics of exchange betting in the thorough and transparent manner required, to educate all racing's stakeholders about its potential impact.

Once the legislation is signed into law with an effective date of January 1, 2011, early in the Santa Anita winter/spring meeting, overnight purses throughout California Thoroughbred racing are expected to increase significantly due to a direct infusion of revenue from increased takeout on exotic wagers. While estimates range as high as $35-million annually, CTT and others caution that owing to the takeout increase and the necessity of renegotiating Advance Deposit Wagering contracts, the actual increase in purses may be less. Nevertheless, CTT did not oppose the original purse legislation (absent the exchange wagering amendments) on the commitment that the bill would be "clean" and no additional complications would be added.

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Alan Balch

Arcadia, CA (March 26, 2010) - The Board of Directors of the California Thoroughbred Trainers announced today the appointment of Alan F. Balch to serve as Executive Director. Also announced was the appointment of Carlo Fisco, Esq. to serve as General Counsel.

In announcing the selections, CTT President John Sadler said, "The CTT is fortunate to have engaged the services of these extraordinarily qualified individuals to provide management and counsel to ensure the efficient and effective operation of our association. We feel that Alan and Carlo form an impressive team of professionals who can articulate and promote the interests not only of the CTT but the entire California racing industry."

A longtime leader in equestrian sports, Alan Balch has served as President of The USA Equestrian Trust, Executive Secretary of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, and President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Horse Show Association of America. His background includes vast experience with California Thoroughbred racing having served as Senior Vice President-Marketing for the Los Angeles Turf Club (Santa Anita), where he led the development of the first professional marketing organization in American Thoroughbred racing.

Carlo Fisco

Carlo Fisco has a long history in horse racing. For over 15 years, he was intimately involved in California harness racing, where as an owner, trainer, and driver, he managed a prominent California public stable. He graduated from law school while simultaneously operating a public racing stable. His legal practice, specializing in criminal law and civil litigation, has included the defense of many licensees in administrative actions before the California Horse Racing Board. He brings a wealth of hands-on horse experience and legal expertise to hit the ground running on behalf of the CTT.

The new appointees assume their duties in April.

ATTENTION CHSA
TRAINER PARTICIPANTS!
August 31, 2010

A final audit is necessary to finalize your worker's compensation policy written through American Home Assurance/Chartis for July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.

We are requesting your assistance is completing the audit process promptly.

Go to the CHSA Web site
and download the audit form. »»

For general CHSA workers' compensation program questions, you may contact Sonia Pishehvar at (626) 447-2146, (909) 648-0843 (mobile) or email at: sonia@officialchsa.com.

You may also contact CTT representatives:
No. California: Charles E. Dougherty, Jr. at (650) 208-2110
So. California: Angie Carmona at (626) 447-2145 or (323) 243-9379 (mobile)

ATTENTION TRAINERS
June 22, 2010

A letter of introduction from the new CHSA Workers' Compensation program broker, Marc Goodwin Insurance Services, as well as applications and participation agreements, are now being circulated to all California trainers. Information is being provided electronically, as well as by mail, fax, and in person through CHSA and CTT personnel at operating California tracks and training locations: Golden Gate Fields, Pleasanton, Hollywood Park, Santa Anita, and San Luis Rey Downs. Upon prompt return of properly completed applications and participation agreements, Certificates of Insurance for Workers' Compensation will be immediately issued, prior to July 1, and filed with CHRB. No payment is required at this time, but invoices for the first month's premium will be sent within 10 days and payment will be due July 15.

For workers' compensation insurance questions and information, please call Marc Goodwin at (831) 626-4561 or email at: chsa@mg-ins.com.

Go to the CHSA Web site
for more information. »»

For general CHSA workers' compensation program questions, you may contact Sonia Pishehvar at (626) 447-2146, (909) 648-0843 (mobile) or email at: sonia@officialchsa.com.

You may also contact CTT representatives:
No. California: Charles E. Dougherty, Jr. at (650) 208-2110
So. California: Angie Carmona at (626) 447-2145 or (323) 243-9379 (mobile)

ATTENTION TRAINERS
Thoroughbred Horsemen's Workers'
Compensation Transition Announced
June 19, 2010

California Horsemen's Safety Alliance (CHSA) president John W. Sadler announced today that Workers' Compensation coverage with a new insurance carrier and broker has been finalized for the year beginning July 1, 2010.

The new broker is Marc Goodwin Insurance Services of Carmel, California. The new insurance carrier will be Companion Property & Casualty Insurance Company, an A (Excellent) VIII rated insurance carrier whose specialty is Workers' Compensation and is emerging as a significant carrier in California after wide success in this field throughout much of the United States...

Trainers throughout California will be receiving applications and complete program information early in the week -- immediately upon return of completed applications, new Workers' Compensation Certificates of Insurance will be issued to horsemen and the California Horse Racing Board well before July 1. Invoices to horsemen for the first monthly premium due under the new plan will follow.

For workers' compensation insurance questions and information, please call Marc Goodwin at (831) 626-4561 or email at: chsa@mg-ins.com.

For general CHSA workers' compensation program questions, you may contact Sonia Pishehvar at (626) 447-2146, (909) 648-0843 (mobile) or email at: sonia@officialchsa.com.

You may also contact CTT representatives:
No. California: Charles E. Dougherty, Jr. at (650) 208-2110
So. California: Angie Carmona at (626) 447-2145 or (323) 243-9379 (mobile)