The newly-formed safety committee of the California Horse Racing Board will meet for the first time Sept. 4 to begin the regulatory process to establish new standards and specifications for vests, helmets, and whips.

The committee will examine updated safety equipment that uses the newest technology and materials available for the protection of racing participants.

Chaired by commissioner Bo Derek, the safety committee recently was created by board chairman John Harris specifically to review recommended standards and proposals and to develop regulatory language for amendments to CHRB rules. Jockeys and exercise riders, who would be the principal beneficiaries of any changes, will be attending the meeting at the Surfside Race Place (Del Mar simulcasting facility) to participate in the discussion. It begins at 10:30 a.m.

Proposals to update standards and amend regulations were brought to the full CHRB board last month by representatives of the Jockeys’ Guild and the California Horsemen’s Safety Alliance, who will participate in the meeting along with manufacturers of safety equipment. The new helmets and vests are constructed to provide better protection to riders. The discussion will include consideration of laboratory standards that all such equipment would be required to meet