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.