Floyd Renews Attack on the Racing Board

California assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (D-Carson), often a critic of the California Horse Racing Board, renewed his attack by accusing Dennis Hutcheson, CHRB executive secretary, of illegally waiving license fees and costing the state $5,460.

Floyd, in a letter dated Nov. 9 to CHRB chairman Henry Chavez, said that Hutcheson illegally waived license fees to out-of-state trainers, jockeys and others so they could race in the Final Fourteen Race at Bay Meadows on Oct. 14. Floyd asked that “the board indemnify the General Fund from either its own budget or from Mr. Hutcheson’s pocket.”

Hutcheson, when contacted Tuesday, said he has not received a copy of the letter. He cited CHRB rules as allowing him to waive the fees.

The California Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Assn. had asked Hutcheson to waive the fees in a letter dated Oct. 1.

“It was indicated as being the proper action in order to get a larger field, which would lead to more attendance and more handle and more state revenue,” Hutcheson said.

The Final Fourteen race finished in controversy when jockey Ricky Frazier weighed in light, forcing the disqualification of his mount. The horse, Allijeba, was the first to cross the finish line but was declared a non-starter and all bets were refunded.

Floyd is the chairman of the Governmental Organization Committee, which oversees horse racing. Last month he asked the Sacramento District Attorney to investigate the CHRB for holding secret meetings. The investigation is not complete.