Shapiro resigns as head of CHRB

Richard B. Shapiro, a member of the California Horse Racing Board since

October 14, 2004, Chairman of the Board for the last three years, and recently

reappointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to a new four-year term,

unexpectedly announced his resignation during the monthly Board meeting Monday

at Santa Anita Park.

"I have been honored and gratified that the Governor appointed me to this

position and has reappointed me and encouraged me to continue for another four

years," Chairman Shapiro read from a prepared statement. "But the time has come

for me to leave the Board. Let me be very clear, this decision is mine and mine

alone. No one has asked me to do this; to the contrary, I have been asked to

stay. But this is a personal decision I have pondered for many months and I have

decided it is time for me to move on. Following today's meeting, I will be

submitting my letter of resignation to the Governor's Office effective December

16."

Vice Chairman John Harris said he was saddened by the news.

"Richard has been an inspiration. He is the best chairman I can recall. He

has worked tirelessly for the industry."

As the meeting progressed, speaker after speaker thanked Chairman Shapiro for

his many contributions and acknowledged the countless hours he has donated in

public service working for the betterment of horse racing.

One of his first acts as chairman in 2006 was to acknowledge and address the

number of catastrophic injuries to horses racing in California. As a first step,

he led the push for the installation of synthetic surfaces at the major

Thoroughbred racetracks in the state. And given the possible closures of Bay

Meadows and Hollywood Park, he formed a strategic planning committee and urged

the industry to develop both short-term and long-range plans for the possible

transfer of racing and stabling to other locations.

The list of critical matters receiving his personal attention included

stricter penalties for medication violations, reform of the Advance Deposit

Wagering (ADW) program, restructuring of the California racing calendar,

particularly the northern fairs, and through his participation in national

organizations, addressing racehorse safety matters and other critical issues

facing all racing jurisdictions in North America.

"This doesn't mean I want to wave goodbye to racing; to the contrary, I still

want to dedicate myself to improving the industry, the public perception of the

industry, the vibrancy of the game, the economics, and to rebuild it," Shapiro

said.