This bill amends the regulations governing thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons in Iowa. It removes the previous requirement that these racing seasons could only run independently if mutually agreed upon by the relevant associations and the racetrack licensee in Polk County. Instead, the bill establishes that thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons must be conducted as separate, stand-alone meets that do not overlap. Specifically, it prohibits races for one breed from being scheduled on the same calendar day as races for the other breed, and it mandates that the racing season for one breed cannot begin until the other has concluded.

Additionally, the bill allows for the possibility of mixed meets, where races for both breeds occur during overlapping periods, but only if there is a mutual written agreement between the associations representing the thoroughbred and quarter horse owners and the racetrack licensee. The bill also includes legislative findings that address a recent interpretation by the state racing and gaming commission, which suggested that races for both breeds could be held on the same day without such an agreement, thereby contradicting the requirement for independent racing seasons.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 99D.7