IA HSB658

Thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons must be conducted as separate, stand-alone meets that do not overlap, with no races for one breed scheduled on the same calendar day as races for the other breed.

A racing season for one breed cannot commence until the racing season for the other breed has concluded.

Mixed meets featuring both breeds may only occur if mutually agreed upon in writing by associations representing thoroughbred and quarter horse owners and the Polk County horse racetrack licensee.

The bill removes from state racing and gaming commission standards the prior provision allowing the breeds to run together with mutual agreement, replacing it with stricter statutory separation requirements.

Legislative findings state that a recent commission decision allowing same-day racing for both breeds without owner association agreement does not comply with existing law requiring races to run independently.