A day after at least two sports media groups sent letters strongly criticizing the California Board of Racing’s new policy of granting journalists who want regular access to the state’s racetracks, the governing body has rescinded this policy.
In an August 10 release, the CHRB outlined a largely decades-old policy in which racetracks control media access to reverse spots through press pass.
“While the California Equestrian Commission values safety and security in the stable, it also recognizes the importance of a free and independent press,” the CHRB said in a statement. “Following a substantial response, instead of asking for permits or visitors to pass… CHRB will allow public departments to issue credentials for visitors to stable areas. CHRB will holds racetracks responsible for the operation of the licensed vehicles they permit.
“The disclosure departments have agreed to release the names of those individuals. The CHRB has made it clear that the list will not be submitted to the CHRB for approval. restricted area.”
National Turf Writers and Broadcasters and Associated Press Sports Editors both filed letters of protest against the policy change originally announced on August 8. It will require affected media members to go through a licensing process includes fingerprint and background checks and pays a fee of $75 by August 31st.
