(a)
The board shall require applicants for license as a steward or as an official veterinarian to pass both a written and an oral examination.
(b)
The board may admit to the steward examination any person who meets all of the following qualifications:
(1)
Has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or of a felony.
(2)
Has been given a physical examination by a licensed physician and surgeon within 60 days prior to the date of application for the steward’s examination, indicating at least 20-20 vision or vision corrected to at least 20-20, and normal hearing ability.
(3)
Possesses at least one of the following qualifications:
(A)
Has at least five years of experience in the parimutuel horse racing industry as a licensed trainer, jockey, or driver.
(B)
Has at least 10 years of experience in the California parimutuel horse racing industry as a licensed owner whose experience, knowledge, ability, and integrity relative to the industry are known to the board.
(C)
Has at least three years of experience as a licensed racing official, racing secretary, assistant racing secretary, or director of racing.
(D)
Has experience in the horse racing industry of a character and for a length of time sufficient, as determined by the board, to qualify the person as having experience substantially equivalent to the experience described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).
(c)
The board may admit to the official veterinarian examination any person who meets all of the following qualifications:
(1)
Is currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state.
(2)
Is currently in good standing with the California Veterinary Medical Board.
(3)
Has current veterinary malpractice insurance.