El Camino Real Derby Day At Golden Gate Fields
From the Executive Corner
by ROBYN BLACK
Assemblywoman Beth Gaines (right) with her daughters Haley (left) and Kelly.
www.ctba.com
©Robyn Black
©Bill Vassar Photography
©Bill Vassar Photography
©Bill Vassar Photography
The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association We enjoyed talking with the young girls and learned that (CTBA) was fortunate to host three legislators and their they hope to attend veterinary school in the future and families during the El Camino Real Derby day at beautiful maybe become equine vets someday. The racetrack was a Golden Gate Fields racetrack on Feb. 16, in what will cer- new experience for the Levines whose young children had tainly become a cherished family memory for all three. The never been so close to so many horses. There is no denying weather could not have been nicer and the races proved to the thrill of watching the field run past while standing on the be spectacular. rail and listening to their pounding determination to run and Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Stanislaus) joined Assem- win. It’s almost impossible to take a passing interest in the blywoman Beth Gaines (R-Roseville) and newly elected sport after a day as perfect as this. Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-Marin) in the paddock and We will again face numerous challenges in the legislaon the rail, along with CTBA President Sue Greene, CTBA ture this session from Internet Poker and Sports Wagering Director George Schmitt, CTBA Executive Vice President to employment issues and possibly animal welfare issues. and General Manager Doug Burge and myself. We discussed We are fortunate to have three members take their time the importance of California’s Thoroughbred breeding and and develop relationships with our industry. As we learned racing industry and the challenges we are facing. We also last year, it truly can make a difference in understanding enjoyed the unique and special experiences offered at this the issues when they vote. This year, California has the beautiful venue. Even the party upstairs in the Director’s biggest class of new legislators since the 1960s, so it’s more Room couldn’t entice the group to leave their front row view important than ever to reach out and tell our story. of the horses. The feedback I have Special thanks once again received from the legislators to Joe Morris who always and their staff in the past few makes taking legislators to days has been wonderful. Golden Gate a wonderful There is truly no better way and informative experience to tell that story to a legislaand to Sue, George and tor than by standing next to a Doug for making themselves Thoroughbred—whether on available. the farm or in the paddock. For Senator Berryhill and Watching them run, reminds his wife, the day was a return people how magnificent both to a track where they once these animals and the people watched their own horse who love them are. Seeing run. For Beth Gaines, who countless people employed has visited Cal Expo, it was a because of racing and watching chance to share her first visit the fans reminds us all why we to Golden Gate with two of Assemblyman Mark Levine (center) with his wife Wendy and son Wayatt, must continue to fight for racher daughters and reconnect ing’s future—especially when jockey Alejandro Gomez and CTBA Director George Schmitt. with the Berryhills’ daughter. you ask their children.
Dice Flavor winning the El Camino Real Derby (Grade III)
Senator Tom Berryhill (right) with his wife Loretta and daughter Samantha
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