Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) this week called on the California Horse Racing Board to use every tool available to prevent horse injuries and deaths at this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup races.

“I believe this weekend presents a critical test for the future of horseracing in California and in the United States,” Feinstein wrote. “If horseracing cannot be conducted in a safe and humane manner that protects the life and safety of horses and jockeys, it may be time to reexamine the future of this sport in our state and in our country.”

Full text of the letter follows:

October 30, 2019

Rick Baedeker
Executive Director of the California Horse Racing Board
1010 Hurley Way, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95825

Dear Mr. Baedeker,

In advance of this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup races at Santa Anita Racetrack, and in light of three racehorse deaths at Santa Anita in just the past eleven days, I urge the Board to take every precautionary measure available to ensure that no horses are injured or killed.

Earlier this year, the California Legislature gave the Board new authority to suspend horse racing licenses when necessary to protect the health and safety of horses and riders. Santa Anita also announced new safety measures and veterinary reviews. Nevertheless, since racing resumed in September, six more racehorses suffered catastrophic injuries at Santa Anita – including three in just the last 11 days – which ultimately led to the horses being euthanized. This brought Santa Anita’s death total for the year up to 36 horses. After the recent attention to racehorse injuries and track safety, particularly at Santa Anita, these latest deaths are simply unacceptable.

I believe this weekend presents a critical test for the future of horseracing in California and in the United States. If horseracing cannot be conducted in a safe and humane manner that protects the life and safety of horses and jockeys, it may be time to reexamine the future of this sport in our state and in our country.

Sincerely,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator