Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today called on the California Assembly to pass SB 469 to give the California Horse Racing Board the authority to stop races at a track when necessary to protect the safety of horses or riders. The legislation was passed by the California Senate last month.

“The two recent deaths over the weekend at Santa Anita, bringing the total to 29 since December of last year, make it clear to me that something is terribly wrong at Santa Anita, and no racing should take place until the cause of these deaths can be determined and appropriate actions taken,” Senator Feinstein wrote.

Senator Feinstein continued, “SB 469 is a sensible step to make the horse racing industry safer and more accountable, and I encourage you to pass the bill expeditiously.”

Full text of the letter follows:

June 12, 2019

The Honorable Anthony Rendon
Speaker, California State Assembly
State Capitol, Room 219
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Speaker Rendon,

I ask that the State Assembly take up and pass SB 469 as quickly as possible.

This bill would give the California Horse Racing Board the authority to immediately suspend a license to conduct horse racing in California when necessary to protect the safety of horses or riders.  The two recent deaths over the weekend at Santa Anita, bringing the total to 29 since December of last year, make it clear to me that something is terribly wrong at Santa Anita, and no racing should take place until the cause of these deaths can be determined and appropriate actions taken.

I am particularly concerned with the prevalence of Lasix and other medications used by the horse racing industry. In my view, the use of medication to prevent the internal bleeding of a horse solely for the purpose of racing should not be allowed.  Lasix has no proper place in horseracing and should be eliminated.  Other medications that can potentially mask dangerous injuries should also be disallowed for horses entering races.

SB 469 is a sensible step to make the horse racing industry safer and more accountable, and I encourage you to pass the bill expeditiously.

Sincerely,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate