Relating to thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons

This bill relates to thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons. The bill strikes a provision requiring, as part of the state racing and gaming commission’s (commission) standards, that thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons be run independently unless mutually agreed upon by the associations representing the thoroughbred and quarter horse owners and the licensee of the horse racetrack located in Polk county. Instead, the bill requires that thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons be conducted as separate stand-alone meets that do not overlap, that races for the breeds not take place on the same day, and that the racing season for one breed not commence until the season for the other breed has concluded. However, the bill allows mixed meets featuring both breeds if mutually agreed upon in writing by the associations representing the thoroughbred and quarter horse owners and the licensee of the horse racetrack located in Polk county. The bill makes legislative findings related to a recent decision or interpretation of the commission.