California board hears varied topics

The California Horse Racing Board discussed topics including a look at account wagering, rebates, a new weight scale for jockeys, and the future of racing in northern California at its monthly meeting Thursday at Golden Gate Fields.

Revenue from account wagering showed a "dramatic increase" in the second year of operation, according to a CHRB staff report, which projected wagers of from $350 to $400 million for 2004.

Representatives from Television Games Network, Youbet, and XpressBet discussed problems they have faced in getting placed on cable television systems in the state.

The pros and cons of rebates were also discussed, with the general consensus that the topic must be studied more fully.

Members of The Jockeys' Guild and Dr. David Seftel, the physician for Golden Gate and Bay Meadows, proposed changes in the scale of weights for jockeys, with a new minimum of 118 pounds on Thoroughbreds.

The future of Bay Meadows was also discussed. Terry Fancher, who heads the real estate fund that controls the Bay Meadows property, assured the board that racing could remain there either under Magna Entertainment Corp. or another management team.