WHRC seeks stakeholders input on possible legislation
At the regularly scheduled WHRC meeting on June 14, 2019, the commissioners considered possible agency request legislation for the upcoming 2020 legislative session. Two pieces of legislation were considered. The commissioners approved moving forward with a change to RCW 67.16 that would remove language restricting the WHRC from requesting funding from the legislature for increased operation costs. Incorporated into the legislation is also added language which would allow licensed Advance Deposit Wagering firms to offer handicapping contests. The second possible piece of legislation would allow the WHRC to join the Interstate Anti-doping and Drug Testing Standards Compact. The commission deferred approval of this proposal until the July 26, 2019 meeting. Click on the buttons below for more information and to provide comments.
SUN DOWNS CONCLUDES 2019 RACE MEET
Sun Downs completed their 2019 six day race meet on Sunday May 12th. The handle for 2019 was down from 2018, - 18.17%, with a daily average of $56,944.50, including the wagering on the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4th. A horse shortage may be attributed to the decline as there were 8 less races offered over the six days of racing. The closing weekend featured two QH finals for the AQHA Challenge Race Series and the annual Pot’ O Gold Futurity. The Pot' O Gold was won by John Carter Cash for owner Juan Rodriguez, trainer Jose Rosales Gomez and ridden by Jose Guerrero, earning the winners share of the $27,150.00 purse. The AQHA Challenge Race finals, which earned both winners automatic berths into the finals in October at The Downs in Albuquerque NM, were also contested on closing weekend. On Saturday, Jesstafiably Jess, with jockey Kassie Guglielmino, was victorious in the Adequan Derby Challenge finals for owner Malon Cowgill and trainer Benito Curiel. On Sunday, Favorite Bling defeated the field in the AQHA Distaff Challenge. Owned by Juan Morales Garcia and conditioned by Jose Rosales Gomez, she was ridden by Salvador Ibarra and covered the 400 yards in 20.11 as the second choice in the wagering. The closing day thoroughbred stake, the Au Revior, was won for the second year in a row by Georgia Peone's Boss Talk. Trained by Georgia's husband, Al Peone, and ridden by Jake Samuels, closed on the rail to win by a 3/4 of a length.
Dr. Claude Ragle appointed to commission
On April 12, Governor Jay Inslee appointed Dr. Claude Ragle, DVM, to replace outgoing commissioner Jeff Colliton, who had served on the commission since July of 2006.
Dr. Ragle has been the faculty surgeon at Washington State University since 1992. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, and served his internship in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was performed surgery at both UC Davis and Pioneer Equine Hospital in Oakdale, California before assuming his duties at WSU. The Washington State Horse Racing Commission is pleased to have Dr. Ragle join the industry and looks forward to his participation. Jeff Colliton's appointment to commission expires
On April 12, Jeff Colliton's appointment as a commissioner for the WHRC expired. Governor Jay Inslee instituted a two term limit on all commissioners within the State of Washington, and after serving his two terms, Jeff was replaced by Dr. Claude Ragle.
Jeff's original appointment to the WHRC began on July, 15 of 2006. In 2013, Jeff was named chair of the commission, a post which he held until 2018. He was also active in the Association of Racing Commissioners International, serving on the Board of Directors and served as chair of that organization in 2017. Jeff's passion for the industry was clear, and one of his main focuses was on uniformity from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, especially when it came to approved medication and threshold levels in the horses. Jeff was instrumental, along with his fellow commissioners, in bringing the national standards for medication to Washington in 2018. Jeff will remain in the industry, immediately following his appointment Jeff joined the Emerald Racing Club as an owner. His enthusiasm and the respect that he showed to all stakeholders will be missed, and staff wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors. WHRC amends fingerprint requirements
At the regularly scheduled WHRC meeting on March 15, 2019, the commissioners approved an amendment to WAC 260-36-100, which requires fingerprints from all applicants. The current rule required all individuals to furnish fingerprints upon the initial application, and then at an interval determined by the commission thereafter. Based on several factors, which include the accessibility of juvenile records and the deterioration of fingerprints during the aging process which results in the submission to the reporting agency rejecting them, fingerprints will no longer be required for applicants which are under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, on January 1 of the year for which the license is issued. The rule will still allow for the commission to require fingerprints from any licensee or applicant upon request, regardless of age. The $10 fee, which is pro-rated based on a five-year cycle for the submission of prints, will be waived for those not required to submit fingerprints. Upon request of the commission to furnish fingerprints, if the applicant is within the age limits which exempt them, the entire fee of $50 will be submitted.
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WHRC Meeting Date Change for August
The WHRC meeting originally scheduled for August 9th, 2019 will be changed to Friday, July 26th, 2019. The location will remain at Auburn City Hall.
2018 WHRC Annual Report
The Washington Horse Racing Commission's 2018 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 2019
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has published its 2019 industrial insurance rates for the Horse Industry Account. Rates are determined by data from the previous five years, July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2018 of exposure and claim experience. Rates, for the second straight year, have slightly decreased for Risk Class 6625, (grooms and assistant trainers), 6626, (Exercise and pony riders at the track), and 6627, (Exercise and pony riders on a farm).
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 2019:
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