by David Siegel, for the California Harness Horsemen’s Association

Sacramento, CA — In an effort to continue to keep horsemen better informed, the California Harness Horsemen’s Association is holding meetings every other Friday at 11:00 a.m. outside the race office. Summaries of these meetings will be sent out for those that cannot attend.

Jimmy Perez held such a meeting this past Friday, September 28, and covered four key topics of interest.

1. Great Canadian Gaming. This is one of a number of operators that have been communicated with regarding the potential operation of Vallejo. This is the one that is furthest down the road and the one that has showed the most interest. One of its principals, Chuck Keeling, VP of Racing Operations, spent two full days in California last week as part of his company’s due diligence. He spent time at the facility in Vallejo, met with Joe Barkett (Vallejo), Doc Allred and Richard Shapiro of the CHRB. Basically, he was doing his homework. In addition, he met with a group of drivers and trainers during his visit.

2. Over-payment and purses. The CHHA is working hard to resolve the over-payment issue and expects a final resolution very soon. As discussed at the previous meeting, we expect a purse increase to follow shortly on the heals of the resolution of the over-payment.

3. Cal-Expo and NBA Arena. All horsemen were sent a Sacramento Bee article which reported on the NBA’s settling of Cal-Expo as “first choice” for a new arena site in Sacramento.

4. CHRB Dates. Horsemen were sent another Sacramento Bee article which detailed the CHRB’s awarding of 2008 thoroughbred dates. The primary impact to our industry is the fact that the Stockton fair dates have been moved from June to early September, immediately following the two-week thoroughbred fair at Sacramento. This would render the traditional layover at Stockton (as done prior to harness racing at the fair), virtually impossible.

The next horsemen’s meeting will be on Friday, October 12.