Speaking during the monthly meeting of the California Horse Racing Board Nov. 16, commissioners praised the service of longtime racing executive Cliff Goodrich, who is retiring from his position as executive director of the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation. Jordyn Egan succeeds him Dec. 1.
Goodrich, who rose to upper-level management positions at Golden Gate Fields, Santa Anita Park and Arlington Park after beginning his career at Hollywood Park in 1965, has led the CTHF for the past eight years. The CTHF is a non-profit that seeks to improve the lives of California backstretch workers.
Goodrich expressed his appreciation for remarks made by board members Damascus Castellanos and Oscar Gonzales, thanked his wife Karen for her support, and said incoming director Egan would thrive in her CTHF position.
Also during the meeting:
- The board approved numerous track licenses for upcoming race meets, including the final one at Golden Gate, which will cease operations after racing through June 10, 2024. Golden Gate will run on a Friday-through-Sunday schedule.
- Santa Anita Park general manager Nate Newby said the installation of a Tapeta surface for its training track is “on schedule” for completion in early January, barring “any crazy rain.”
- CHRB equine medical director Dr. Jeff Blea reported that two horses that required surgery after injuries while racing Nov. 3 at Santa Anita Park either during Breeders’ Cup races or in supporting races—Mountain Bear and Bus Buzz —”are doing well postoperatively.”
