Jeff Blea to take over as equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board

Dr. Jeff Blea, a Southern California racetrack practitioner for the last 28 years, will serve as the California Horse Racing Board’s equine medical director in July after the planned retirement of Dr. Rick Arthur, the CHRB announced on Monday.

Blea, who is widely respected among veterinarians and regulators, will fill one of the most influential veterinary positions in the country. In 2006, the CHRB was the first racing regulatory agency to establish the position of equine medical director, and the influence of animal-welfare and animal-rights groups in California has often put the state’s racing industry on the leading edge of reforms.

“I look forward to working with industry stakeholders in further advancing the progressive transformation of horse racing in California with the emphasis on horse safety, welfare, and integrity,” Blea said in a statement issued by the CHRB.

:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Arthur has been the only individual to serve as the equine medical director, a position administered by the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California-Davis. Arthur had told the CHRB that he intended to retire in June 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back those plans until June of this year.

“Dr. Blea is an excellent choice to become EMD,” said Arthur, in a release. “He has a broad background in horse racing and is well respected by his colleagues here in California and nationally.”

Gregory Ferraro, the chairman of the CHRB and a former equine practitioner, said that Blea is “recognized for his clear thinking and fairness in his decision-making.”

Blea is a partner in the von Bluecher, Blea, Hunkin, Inc., veterinary practice. He is a former president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and is a member of its Racing Committee.