by Scott Ehrlich, publicity director, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Horses from many a class racing at Cal-Expo this fall will have an opportunity to race for purses in excess of $60,000 in Late Closing events.

The California Harness Horsemen’s Association and Cal-Expo have agreed to offer late closing series races during the Fall 2010 meet, which includes over $60,000 in purses for the following classes of horses:

Schedule of Late Closers–Cal-Expo Fall race meet 2010

Please see Special Rules that apply to the Late Closers listed below.

(1) The Gee Gee Digger Claiming Series, colts and geldings, all ages, claiming pace, two legs (purse $3,000) and final (purse $6,000 added); claiming price Leg 1: $4,000; Leg 2: $5,000; No claiming in final; nomination fee: $100; entry fee each leg: $100. To be conducted Oct. 1, 8 and 15.

(2) The Doodlin Claiming Series, fillies and mares, all ages; claiming pace, two legs (purse $3,000) and final (purse $6,000 added); claiming price Leg 1: $4,000; Leg 2: $5,000; No claiming in final; nomination fee: $100; entry fee each leg: $100. To be conducted Oct. 2, 9 and 16.

(3) The Desmond Claiming Series, all ages, claiming pace, two legs (purse $2,500) and final (purse $5,000 added); claiming price Leg 1: $2,500; Leg 2: $3,500; No claiming in final; nomination fee: $50; entry fee each leg: $50; to be conducted Oct. 23, 30 and Nov. 6.

(4) The Turkey Trot, all ages, claiming trot, one leg (purse $3,000) and final (purse $5,000 added); claiming price $4,000; No claiming in final; nomination fee: $100; to be conducted Nov. 18 and 24.

(5) The Courageous Red Pacing Series, colts and geldings, 5-year-olds and under, NW 5 (DHA, NW 8) PM or $12,500 life (DHA $15,000); Leg 1: purse $4,500 and final: $7,500 added; nomination fee: $150; entry fees: $150; to be conducted Dec. 4 and 18.

(6) The Kaycess Doll Pacing Series, fillies and mares, 5-year-olds and under; NW 5 (DHA, NW 8) PM or $12,500 life (DHA $15,000); Leg 1: purse $4,500 and final: $7,500 added; nomination fee: $150; entry fees: $150; to be conducted Dec. 3 and 17.

(7) The Peter Lobell Claiming Series, all ages, condition/claimer; NW 2 (mares & DHA, NW 4) PM or $10,000 life (mares & DHA $15,000); claiming price Leg 1: $6,000 plus allowance; Leg 2: $7,500 plus allowance; No claiming in final; Leg 1 and 2: purse $3,000 and final $5,000 added; nomination fee: $75; entry fees: $75; to be conducted Jan. 7, 14 and 21.

(8) The Denali Claiming Series, all ages, condition/claimer; NW 5 (mares & DHA, NW 8) PM or $12,500 life (mares & DHA $15,000); claiming price Leg 1: $10,000 plus allowance; Leg 2: $12,500 plus allowance; No claiming in final; Leg 1 and 2: purse $3,500 and final $6,000 added; nomination fee: $100; entry fees: $100; to be conducted Jan 28, Feb. 4 and 11.

Special Rules for Late Closers–Cal-Expo Fall Race Meet 2010

(1) The nomination date for each series is one week prior to the first leg or elimination of that series. Nomination fees must be paid by 9 a.m. in the Race Office.

(2) Eligibility for each series is determined as of the date and time of nomination.

(3) In order to be eligible to compete in a final of each series, horses must have started in both legs or in the elimination of that series.

(4) In order for a series to be programmed, a minimum of 10 eligible horses must be entered and eight separate betting interests are required.

(5) A maximum of 12 horses will be drawn into each leg or elimination, with divisions being drawn after 12 entries.

(6) Nomination and entry fees received in the legs or eliminations for each series will be added to the purse of the final for that series.

For more information or questions please call the Race Office at Cal-Expo (916) 263-3617/3618/3599.