For nearly 7 years now, California racetracks and horsemen were locked into contracts that required us to split between 3.5% and 5% of wagered dollars, while the ADW providers retained up to 16% of those dollars; six to nearly nine times what purses received in CA. We were not alone in this predicament. Out-of-state horsemen and tracks similarly receive far less than a fair share. More...
As many of you may be aware, the recently completed Bay Meadows Spring Race Meet generated more purse money than was paid to those who participated in the meet; a "purse underpayment." Because that was the last Bay Meadows meet ever to be run, reconciling and collecting all payments due the purse account – from in and out-of-state sources – is ever more difficult, as no portion of those monies can be carried forward to the following year’s meet. More...
The TOC Board recently voted unanimously to endorse the negotiating model created by the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group (THG), and to authorize THG to represent TOC in future simulcast negotiations, including in Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) negotiations. THG acts as a broker for member organizations, leaving to each individual organization the right to accept or reject simulcast arrangements negotiated with sending and receiving sites, including ADW providers and others. More...
One of my goals as a new TOC board member of is to simplify the way partnerships are treated from an accounting standpoint. Currently, when a horse owned in partnership wins a race, the purse money goes into the partnership account, with the income directed to only one partner’s Social Security number. More...
An exciting addition to TOC’s busy roster of activities is the upcoming Racing Club. The TOC’s Owner Relations Committee is currently working to form the club, with an aim to promote new ownership by giving fans the ability to experience thoroughbred ownership without any of the financial obligations. More...
Apr 2008--Seven Decades of Racing--Part II
As the sun sets on historic Bay Meadows Racetrack, we take time to reflect on the numerous great horses that competed there. In last month’s TOC Times, we looked at the 1940’s through the 1970’s, and the memories continue… More...
Mar 2008--Seven Decades of Racing--Part I
As the sun sets on historic Bay Meadows Racetrack, we take time to reflect on the numerous great horses that competed there. In last month’s TOC Times, we looked at the 1940’s through the 1970’s, and the memories continue… More...
Mar 2008--Seven Decades of Racing--Part I
As the sun sets on Bay Meadows racetrack, where racing began on November 3rd, 1934, it brings to mind a rich history. Following in the hoof prints of the great Seabiscuit, winner of the Bay Meadows Handicap in 1937 and 1938, numerous great racehorses competed here. More...
TOC is updating its annual Owner of the Year awards! In previous years, voting for the owner awards was part of the annual election process – with members voting in May for owner and rookie of the year, at the same time they voted for TOC’s board of directors. More...
2008 promises to be an exciting year in California with new synthetic racing surfaces, the return of the Breeders’ Cup to Oak Tree at Santa Anita and a new rotation for the Northern racing fairs. TOC intends to stay ahead of the curve with several changes planned to improve events for Owners. More...
The Thoroughbred Owners of California invites all members to attend the 2007 Northern California Annual Meeting Saturday, September 29. This year’s Annual Meeting will be held in the Owner-Trainer Lounge at Bay Meadows. Our event will commence at 11:00 a.m. with the business portion of the meeting followed by a buffet lunch and question & answer session. More...
The Thoroughbred Owners of California invites all members to attend the 2007 Annual Meeting in Del Mar, Saturday, August 18. This year’s Annual Meeting will be a “Day at the Races” held in the Seaside Tropical Cabana located on the west end of the grandstand apron at the Del Mar Race Track. The business portion of the meeting kicks things off at 11:30 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch and our first ever handicapping contest. More...
Summer is officially here, and that means racing in California hits the beach and the road. In Southern California, Del Mar opens its 43-day meet on Wednesday, July 18. The most popular meet in California, Del Mar again looks to raise the bar in attendance and handle marks. More...
Racehorses are our passion. Sadly the fate of many of these beautiful animals is left to chance once their racing careers are over. That’s why the TOC has decided to make a change – one that will help ensure the care and comfort of all our racehorses in the future. More...
After a total of ten years of service, the last three as Chair, Alan Landsburg announced that he would step down from the Thoroughbred Owners of California Board of Directors on May 6th. More...
TOC Board members and executive staff met with key legislators and the Governor’s office on March 12-13 to deliver the message that now is the time to take action to ensure the vitality of California thoroughbred racing for years to come. They sought to impress upon legislators the seriousness of our current situation, and the need to obtain Legislative support for creative, innovative solutions involving the industry, the State, and California’s tribes. More...
2007 is a make or break year for owners. Either we will be able to double our purse levels over the next few years, or they will remain where they are for the foreseeable future. More...