by Scott Ehrlich, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Stables wishing to come out to Cal-Expo and race now have an added enticement.

Beginning September 12, 2008 through October 11, 2008, every horse racing at Cal-Expo shall receive a “Starter’s Purse” in the amount of $250 for each start with a maximum starter purse payment of $500 per each eligible horse.

Any horse who receives a $250 starter bonus will not receive the $50 starter bonus for that start.

New Horse Incentive Purse Program:

September 12, 2008 through December 20, 2008

Each racehorse that starts in a pari-mutuel race at Cal-Expo that has never raced at Cal-Expo will receive $1,500.

Installments are as follows: $750 after the first start, $750 upon the fourth start.

Payments will be made into the owners Paymaster account; the original owner will receive the total payment even if the horse is claimed.

The $50 starter purse program will go into effect beginning with the fall meet, paying all starters who finish sixth or worse in a nine-horse field or more.

Any horse that receives any purse from the New Horse Incentive Purse Program is not eligible to receive the “Starters Purse.”

In order to receive a New Horse Incentive Purse, all horses must be approved in writing by Cal-Expo management and the California Harness Horsemen’s Association.

Approval shall be decided upon entering the new horse on the trainer’s stall application.