Emerald Downs submits final race meet schedule for 2020, second floor open for simulcasting
Emerald Downs has submitted a final schedule for the 2020 race meet. With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the inability to have live spectators, Emerald Downs will to continue two day per week racing on Wednesdays and Thursdays with a closing day of October 15. While overall handle shows a significant increase, the return to the industry from ADW wagering is significantly less than on-site handle, greatly reducing the amount generated for purses and operating expenses. The WHRC has received a request from Emerald Downs to waive RCW 67.16.200 (8) regarding simulcast wagering based on the current health crisis and its impact on live racing. Post times remain the same, 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Owners will continue to be granted access to the facility on days in which they have horses competing, with safety protocols in placed and social distancing required. Additionally, based on Governor Inslee's guidance which amended card rooms and Off Track Betting operations, Emerald Downs has moved the simulcast area to the second floor on a Wednesday through Sunday schedule. Call Emerald Downs for more information.
ARCI discusses regulation against "doping" and medication violations
The Association of Racing Commissioners International, of which the WHRC is a current member, and the University of Florida Racing Laboratory has released a five minute video in which the history of medication and horse racing is discussed. The video discusses current standards and protections in place to detect and deter intentional administrations. The WHRC has adopted virtually all of the recommended threshold levels currently recommended by the ARCI. Click here or scroll down to view the video.
WHRC eases restrictions regarding owners access to stable area
The WHRC is pleased to announce that effective Wednesday, June 3, 2020 that non-essential licensees will once again be allowed access to the stable area. With Governor Inslee removing the stay home order, this allows the WHRC the opportunity to amend the restrictions. Additionally, licensed owners will be allowed to be accompanied by their spouses. Emerald Racing LLC. will establish protocols for allowing this access, and licensees are required to comply with the established guidelines. Additionally, the WHRC and the staff would like to thank all the owners for their support during the past two months restrictions. Virtually everyone involved in racing does this for the love of the horses, and not having access to them during this time was difficult. We are in hopes this is the first step to returning to some sense of normalcy in the future. Click here for the text of the rule.
2020 WHRC Approved thresholds for therapeutic medication and withdrawal guidelines
The WHRC and the Equine Medical Director have published a listing for 2020 of all approved therapeutic medications thresholds, and withdrawal guidelines. Additionally, information regarding compounded medication, nutraceuticals, and the use of CBD oils are provided by clicking on the links below:
Cannabidiol Bulletin Feb. 2019 - click here CBD Update - click here RMTC Nutraceuticals 101 A Trainer's Guide - click here WHRC Thresholds 2020 - click here WHRC Withdrawal Time Recommendations 2020 - click here Now Accepting Credit & Debit Cards
The Washington Horse Racing Commission is now accepting Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit and debit cards for the payment of WHRC license fees, Labor & Industries Industrial Insurance premiums and other fines/fees collected. A service fee of 3% will be added to all credit or debit transactions.
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Follow the WHRC Board of Stewards on Twitter
You can now follow the WHRC Board of Stewards on twitter. Get the latest rider changes, scratches, etc. directly from the stewards. Limited explanation of inquires and objections will be posted with a link to the Emerald Downs website for daily stewards report with a more detailed explanation that are up within 72 hours of each race day. Click here to start following at @whrcstewards for all the information.
Fingerprint Requirements for 2020
The WHRC adopted changes to WAC 260-36-100 in 2019 which resulted in changes to the fingerprint requirements for applicants and licensees. Fingerprint based criminal history checks through the FBI are normally required every five years but may be required at any time. Each year every person between the ages of eighteen and sixty-nine must pay a $10 fingerprint processing fee in addition to the license fees. Any applicant or licensee over the age of sixty-nine or under the age of eighteen will not be required to pay the $10 fingerprint fee unless fingerprints are requested by the WHRC and they will be required to pay the entire cost of the submission at time of processing. Additionally, fingerprints may be required in the following circumstances:
2019 WHRC Annual Report
The Washington Horse Racing Commission's 2019 Annual Report to the Governor is available to view by visiting the WHRC Forms and Reports page or clicking here.
Washington State’s Down the Stretch Ranch Garners National Attention
Down The Stretch Ranch co-founded in 2015 by Hall of Fame Trainer, Jerry Hollendorfer, his wife Janet, and Boone McCanna in Creston, Washington has gotten national attention recently. The foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit thoroughbred race horse retirement facility which connects injured or retired racehorses with United States Veterans and through the use of equine therapy helps bring comfort and companionship to veterans.
Down The Stretch ranch was recently placed in national spotlight by trainer Doug O’Neill whose support of the foundation was on display during Breeders Cup week when his horses wore coolers featuring Down The Stretch Ranch. The Paulick Report also recently featured an article written by Hank Wesch of Del Mar about Down The Stretch Ranch and the work it is doing with retired thoroughbred racehorses and veterans that can be viewed by clicking here. For more information on Down The Stretch Ranch and what can be done to support their cause please visit their website http://www.downthestretch.org/ or their Facebook page by clicking here. Rulemaking Notification List
Any person who wishes to receive notification about WHRC rulemaking activities can be added to the stakeholder list. Requests to be added to the stakeholder list may be made by email at whrc@whrc.state.wa.us, by telephone at 360-459-6462, by fax at 360-459-6461, or by mail at 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578.
WHRC 2017-2019 Biennial Budget Request
The WHRC has submitted its request for the 2017-2019 biennial budget to the Washington State Legislature. To review the entire budget click here.
Labor and Industries Rates for 2020
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has published its 2020 industrial insurance rates for the Horse Industry Account. Rates are determined by data from the previous five years, July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2019 of exposure and claim experience. Rate have increased slightly after decreasing the previous two years. For Risk Class 6625, (grooms and assistant trainers, monthly), 6626, (Exercise and pony riders at the track, per horse per day), and 6627, (Exercise and pony riders on a farm, per hour).
Good safety procedures in the stable area and ensuring that no fraudulent claims are filed are the best ways to stabilize and continue to reduce premiums in the future. The following are the industrial insurance rates for 2020:
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