Gov. Newsom Signs Law Clearing Way for Regulators to Suspend Horse Racing at Santa Anita Park After the Deaths of 30 Horses

The agency overseeing horse racing in California can now immediately suspend licenses to protect the health and safety of horses and riders, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday in response to 30 horse deaths this year at famed Santa Anita Park. "Business as usual has resulted in too many horse deaths," Newsom said in a news release announcing that he signed legislation expanding the authority of the California Horse Racing Board. Previous state law limited the board's authority to suspend racing licenses. Santa Anita Park finished its season on Sunday, and races are scheduled to resume in September. The track is scheduled to host the Breeders' Cup in November, one of the sport's most prestigious and lucrative events. The new law expands the board's authority by allowing it to suspend licenses for safety reasons and to act quickly by calling emergency meetings that do not comply with the state's open meetings act...MORE