The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) took a swing at a number of equine safety measures during its April 28 meeting at Hollywood Park, including another try at a rule to void the claim of a horse that suffers a fatality during the race.

The CHRB last tried to pass such a rule in November 2009 but withdrew it after a 45-day comment period due to strong opposition from the state's horsemen.

The debate was spirited once again as the board approved the revised rule for the comment period by a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Jerry Moss abstained. The issue is likely to be taken up again in June.

The proposal would void a claim if the tagged horse suffers a fatality during the running of the race or before returning to be unsaddled. The proposal would also allow a claim to be voided if the horse is placed on the veterinarian's list as unsound or lame as a result of running in the race. The party claiming the horse would have the option of asking the stewards to cancel the sale