Board Approves Match Race

California Horse Racing Board approval Friday began clearing the way for a match race at Santa Anita Park on April 20 between Griswold, a quarter horse, and Olympic Prospect, a thoroughbred.

“There are two necessary steps that have to be taken to allow this to happen,” said Cliff Goodrich, president of Santa Anita. “The first took place when the CHRB gave its approval.

“The second, and larger, question is whether special legislation can be passed in the three-week time frame before the race is scheduled.”

Mixed-breed match races with pari-mutuel wagering are authorized in California at mixed-breed and quarter horse meetings, but not thoroughbred meetings. The new legislation would extend that authorization to thoroughbred meets.”