Bill > SB397

This bill amends California's horse racing regulations to modify rules about mixed-breed racing and claiming race conditions. Specifically, the bill removes the previous restriction that thoroughbred and Appaloosa horses could only enter quarter horse races shorter than 5 furlongs (horse racing's unit of distance, with one furlong equaling 220 yards), and now allows these horses to enter quarter horse races at any distance. The bill also increases the maximum claiming price for thoroughbred races from $5,000 to $6,000 when conducted as part of a quarter horse racing program. The bill maintains existing requirements that more than half of the races on a program must be quarter horse races at 550 yards or less, and that the quarter horse horsemen's organization must consent to the inclusion of thoroughbred racing. Additionally, the bill specifies financial obligations for racing associations, including payments to trainers' organizations and pension plans. The legislation appears designed to provide more flexibility for horse racing associations in managing mixed-breed racing events while maintaining protections for quarter horse racing participants.

Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB397