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Equine Medical Director Term Limited by Bill

The California Horse Racing Board's equine medical director would be restricted to serving no more than two two-year terms consecutively under a state Assembly bill currently before a legislative committee.

George Krikorian Appointed to CHRB

Governor Jerry Brown appointed George Krikorian to the California Horse Racing Board. The multiple graded stakes winning owner is president and CEO of Krikorian Premiere Theatres and president of George Krikorian Stables.

Morris to Leave Golden Gate Fields for TOC

Joe Morris will step down as general manager of Golden Gate Fields to become president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, The Stronach Group announced April 17.

Expanded Roles Seen for Santa Anita, Del Mar

With Fairplex Park announcing it is pulling back on expanding its racetrack, Santa Anita Park and Del Mar are likely to host the 2014 Southern California racing circuit should Betfair Hollywood Park shut down.

Hollywood Takeout Will Remain 14% in Pick 5

Betfair Hollywood Park will continue to offer the Players' Pick 5 at the reduced takeout rate of 14% when the spring/summer meet begins April 25.

CTT Pushing for Consideration of Fairplex

The president of the California Thoroughbred Trainers wants a more transparent process for selecting the track that will eventually succeed Betfair Hollywood Park and is calling for renewed consideration of Fairplex Park.

Lou Raffetto Resigns as President of TOC

After less than two years on the job, Lou Raffetto announced Feb. 28 that he is stepping down as president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, effective immediately.

Fairplex Out for Now as Hollywood Alternative

Fairplex Park, one of two locations under consideration as a replacement for Betfair Hollywood Park, is out of the running for now, says the president and chief executive officer of the Los Angeles County Fair facility.

Group: Salix Effective in Treating EIPH

A group of scientists met with representatives of the Thoroughbred Owners of California Jan. 18 to discuss exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging and later issued a joint statement supporting use of furosemide.

Billy Morey Elected to TOC Board

Owner and trainer William E. "Billy" Morey had been added to the board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, filling a vacancy created recently by the resignation of Ron McAnally.

Officials in Talks Over Replacing Hollywood

Like dealing with a bad tooth, California racing representatives are coming to terms with the fact that Betfair Hollywood Park will eventually have to be replaced.

Talks Continue About Hollywood Alternatives

The California Horse Racing Board and Thoroughbred Owners of California are discussing plans about what to do if Betfair Hollywood Park shuts down.

Exchange Wagering Rules Approved by CHRB

Rules governing exchange wagering gained initial approval from the California Horse Racing Board at its meeting Sept. 20, more than a year after the commission had announced its intention to promulgate them.

TOC Sets Annual Meeting for Members Aug. 25

Thoroughbred Owners of California invites all members to the Southern California Annual Meeting Aug. 25 at 8:30 a.m. in the Veranda Café at Del Mar.

CHRB Taking Longer Look at Exchange Wagering

Exchange wagering seems to be getting all the scrutiny it can handle from the California Horse Racing Board. Nearly two years after the concept was signed into law, the board decided to delay implementation June 28.

TOC Moves Harshly Criticized by Betfair TVG

The Thoroughbred Owners of California June 1 tabled action on exchange wagering for one year and endorsed a deal proposed by The Stronach Group, leading to a strong response from Betfair TVG.

TOBA Latest to Submit Salix Comments in NY

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association is the latest organization to respond to the New York State Racing and Wagering Board with its opinions on the use of the anti-bleeding medication furosemide on race day.

Incumbents Mostly Re-Elected to TOC Board

Eight of 10 incumbents are among the 15 individuals that won election to the Thoroughbred Owners of California board of directors.

Choper Appointed to Oversee TOC Election

The California Horse Racing Board has appointed commissioner Jesse Choper to oversee the current election for the Thoroughbred Owners of California board of directors.

Six More Candidates Added to TOC Election

The Thoroughbred Owners of California announced Feb. 2 that six additional persons have qualified to run for the revamped TOC Board of Directors through the nomination-by-petition process.

TOC Has 24 Candidates for Board Thus Far

The Thoroughbred Owners of California Jan. 27 identified 24 nominees for its 2012 election for the board of directors, though others may be nominated through a petition process that ends Jan. 31.

Stronach Says He Wants to Protect Santa Anita

The California Horse Racing Board received a surprise visit Jan. 19 from Santa Anita owner Frank Stronach, who told the board he wants to guarantee Santa Anita's long range future.

TOC Membership Approves Major Bylaw Changes

Thoroughbred Owners of California members have given wide support to bylaw amendments that will clear the way for a full board election early next year, according to a Dec. 29 press release from the horsemen's organization.

Pegram Sues Jamgotchian, Alleges Defamation

Thoroughbred Owners of California board chairman Mike Pegram has filed suit against California Thoroughbred owner Jerry Jamgotchian, alleging defamation and false light.

Go for the Gold - By Lenny Shulman

California needs enlightened and innovative leadership if its Thoroughbred industry is to thrive in, or even survive, these desperate times.

read blog

Board OKs California Horsemen Settlement

With no discussion, the California Horse Racing Board approved an eleventh-hour settlement between rival horsemen's groups Nov. 17 aimed at heading off a decertification vote of the Thoroughbred Owners of California.

Agreement Reached Between California Groups

A bitter dispute between two Thoroughbred owners' groups in California has apparently come to an end after the organizations reached an agreement with the California Horse Racing Board.

CHRB Will Not Count Trainers in TOC Petitions

The California Horse Racing Board threw a monkey wrench into a horsemen group's attempt to decertify the Thoroughbred Owners of California, saying it will not validate petition signatures of owners who are also trainers.

California Horsemen Group Submits Signatures

The California Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association announced Aug. 20 that it has submitted more than 1,100 signatures to the state horse racing board seeking an election to decertify the current horsemen's representative.

Dennis Cardoza Joins TOC Board

Dennis Cardoza, who represents the 18th district of California in Congress, has joined the board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California.

Calif. Track Execs Ask For Lower Takout

The presidents of Santa Anita and Hollywood Park have asked the Thoroughbred Owners of California to reduce takout on Daily Double, exacta, quinella, and Pick 5 wagers.

Lou Raffetto Named TOC President

Lou Raffetto, formerly the chief operating officer and president of the Maryland Jockey Club, has been named president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California.

In California, Politics Colors Takeout Fight

An ongoing battle over pari-mutuel takeout rates in California isn't only a major issue in the war over horsemen's representation, but it also has moved horseplayers' involvement in political issues in racing to a new level.

Dedomenico to Chair TOC Medication Committee

Dr. Mark Dedomenico has been selected chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners of California's medication and integrity committee by the organization's board of directors, it was announced May 28.

Horsemen's Group Takes First Step to Oust TOC

A newly formed horsemen's group announced April 28 that it is formally seeking to replace the Thoroughbred Owners of California as the official representative.

TOC Chairman Owens Responds to Critics

Divisiveness among horsemen's groups in California "seems to me a terrible waste of industry resources," said Jack Owens, chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, during an interview April 2.

New California Horsemen's Group Moving Ahead

The Thoroughbred Owners of California isn't talking, but a spokesman for a recently formed rival horseman's group wants to make sure the state's owner representative knows the new organization means business.

Pegram Among Ownership Seminar Speakers

Two introductory seminars on horse ownership, 'Derby Fever!' are being offered by the Thoroughbred Owners of California free of charge at Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita Park April 2.

Pablo Suarez to Represent TOC on NTRA Board

California horse owner Pablo Suarez has been selected by the Thoroughbred Owners of California to fill its seat on the National Thoroughbred Racing Association board of directors.

Mark Dedomenico Appointed to TOC Board

Dr. Mark Dedomenico has been added to the board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California to fill a vacancy created by the recent resignation of Arnold Zetcher.

Mosses, Zenyatta Take Top TOC Awards for 2010

For the third consecutive year, Jerry and Ann Moss were named Owners of the Year and their mare Zenyatta Horse of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners of California.

Santa Anita Allocated Fall Race Dates by CHRB

The California Horse Racing Board allocated Santa Anita Park the fall racing dates previously operated by the Oak Tree Racing Association at its meeting Feb. 17.

Jack Owens Elected to Fill TOC Chairman Term

Jack B. Owens was unanimously elected interim chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners of California by the organization's board of directors during its meeting Feb. 16.

TOC Chairman Zetcher to Step Down From Board

Arnold Zetcher, chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, will resign from the board Feb. 16. He has served as chairman for about six months.

CA Boycott Getting Noticed, Organizer Says

As California racetracks struggled into their second month of the 2010-11 season, the president of a horseplayers' group that is leading a boycott of the tracks said racing officials in the state are getting the point.

Ownership Seminars Hosted by TOC Jan. 22

The Thoroughbred Owners of California is offering a free seminar, on racehorse ownership at both Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields Jan. 22, each beginning at 8:30 a.m.

California Trainers Pursue Merger With Owners

Unable to convince the Thoroughbred Owners of California to consider unifying with its organization, trainers in the state are pursuing plans to form a new representative group.

Aaron Vercruysse Added as TOC Consultant

Aaron Vercruysse has been retained by the Thoroughbred Owners of California to assist in the development and execution of initiatives dealing with wagering and purse improvements, the organization announced Nov. 30.

Jack Owens Returns to TOC Board of Directors

Jack B. Owens has been appointed to the board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California to fill a vacancy created by the departure of David Bloom.

Jamgotchian Turns to Court in TOC Dispute

Horse owner Jerry Jamgotchian filed a court petition Oct. 7 seeking to force the Thoroughbred Owners of California to turn over the email addresses of its 9,512 members to him.