Amerman's California board spot confirmed

The California Senate has confirmed John Amerman to the California Horse Racing Board by a vote of 32-2, the racing board announced Tuesday.

Amerman, who owns horses with his wife, Jerry, was appointed to the racing board last year by California Governor Arnold Schwarzennegger. His confirmation is for a term that expires Jan. 1, 2010.

Amerman's best current horse is the top 4-year-old filly Balance. He won the Breeders' Cup Distaff in 2003 with Adoration. Amerman has been involved in racing for 12 years, since shortly before his retirement as the chief executive officer at Mattel Inc., the toy maker.

In addition to his work with the racing board, Amerman is a trustee of the Breeders' Cup, a member of the Jockey Club, on the executive committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and on the American Graded Stakes Committee. He is actively involved in equine retirement projects, most notably as a director of California's Tranquility Farms.