(Editor’s Note – Following is a letter sent to Breeders and Owners by the California Standardbred Sire Stakes Committee. Links to California 2027 Sire Stakes schedule and nomination forms are listed below.)
Dear Breeder/Owner,
In July 2025, the California Sires Stakes (CSSSC) refunded payments for foals nominated for the program due to uncertainty in harness racing. Racing at Fresno Fairgrounds will start in December 2026, backed by a two-year Watch and Wager contract through April 2028. Based on this, CSSSC has made the following decisions:
Foals born in 2022 raced as three-year-olds at Cal Expo but were not raced as four-year-olds. Their stake race careers have ended.
Foals of 2023 (event #46) that were originally nominated are eligible to re-nominate or sustain for participation in CSSSC racing events as four-year-olds. These events are set to take place from January — April 2027. The program includes five stake races, each offering $15,000, and a final race with a purse of $40,000, open to both colts and fillies. To restore eligibility, a payment of $250 is required by December 31, 2026. Re-nomination forms can be accessed on the website and are also enclosed with this letter (green form).
Foals of 2024 (event #47) can be nominated for the CSSSC stakes with a single $400 payment, making them eligible as three- and four-year-olds. Three-year-old races will run January — April 2027; four-year-old races, January — April 2028. The three-year-old program will include five stake races, each offering $15,000, and is open to both colts and fillies. Payment is required by December 31, 2026. Forms are on the website and attached to this letter (blue form).
Foals of 2025 (event #48) may be nominated for a fee of $150 until December 31, 2026. Forms are on the website and attached to this letter (yellow form). The sustaining payment of $250 will be required by July 1, 2027. Eligible foals are scheduled to compete as three-year-olds from January — April 2028, with ongoing racing at Fresno anticipated, followed by their four-year-old season during the 2029 racing calendar.
Click on links below for 2027 California Sire Stakes schedule and nomination forms:
2027 California Sire Stakes schedule
Nomination form – Foals of 2023
Nomination form – Foals of 2024
Nomination form – Foals of 2025