Controversial CHRB chief will be tough act to follow

Richard Shapiro’s resignation this week as chairman of the California Horse Racing Board caught everyone by surprise. He had just been appointed to a second four-year term by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Granted, there are no shortage of Shapiro critics. Many probably popped champagne corks over the news. Most of the ire stems from the mandate by him and the CHRB that the major California racetracks switch to a synthetic racing surface for the long-term safety of horses and riders.

The move has drawn both positive and negative feedback. But, even with Shapiro gone, it’s probably too late to return to organic dirt racing because of the $50 million or so invested in the new product.

For those who blame Shapiro for all that’s gone awry in California racing and cheer his exit, be very careful what you wish for. There are not many qualified people eager to pick up the reins from him. These are difficult times for the sport.

The new chairman will face squabbling factions from all sectors of the horse industry with hardly a consensus on even the most basic issues.

My simple advice is to keep focusing on issues that bring money to the table like new horseplayers and owners and in lowering the cost of doing business. More money has a way of silencing even your harshest critics.

• HANDICAPPING HELPERS — The past few weeks I’ve been documenting the selections from Bruno Dejulio and Horseplayer Pro. The results have ranged from good to excellent. If there’s a horseplayer in your family who could use a little boost, may I suggest a subscription to either, or both, service. For more information, go to racingwithbruno.com and horseplayerpro.com.

• HRTV — We’re a week away from the opening of Santa Anita Park. If you are a DISH network subscriber, you’ll be able to watch Santa Anita racing on HRTV. If you’re a Las Vegas Cox cable subscriber, tough luck. Over the years, Cox has turned a blind eye to public sentiment to add HRTV to its cable lineup.

A new campaign has been started, this time by Luke Fair, HRTV vice president for sales and marketing. Requests for Cox to add HRTV can be e-mailed to hrtvoncox@me.com, and Fair will forward them to Cox executives.

I hope Fair succeeds. Cox’s short-sightedness has cost it hundreds of Las Vegas subscribers.

Richard Eng’s horse racing column is published Friday. He can be reached at rich_eng@hotmail.com.