by David Siegel

Sacramento, CA — Continuing to set the standard for innovation in amateur racing, Cal-Expo Racing, The California Amateur Driving Club (CADC) and the California Harness Horsemen’s Association (CHHA) today announced two late closing series for amateur drivers.

Each series will feature two legs and a final with an estimated purse of $8,000. The first series, to be contested beginning on Saturday, June 6, for three consecutive Saturdays, is a conditioned/claiming event with tags on the first two legs of $3,000 and $3,500 plus allowances. The second series is limited to filly and mare claimers with the same claiming prices, plus allowances, and will be contested on three successive Saturdays beginning July 11. No claiming will be permitted in the final for each series. Nominations for both series close the Monday prior to the first leg.

Complete details of the series are available at www.thecadc.com/2009Series.pdf.

The CHHA and track management have been supportive of amateur racing since its re-emergence in the summer of 2005 when the State Fair, the meet’s current operator, took over.

“There is little doubt that the California Amateur program is the strongest track-based one in the country. Given the challenges of an ‘island meet,’ amateur driving not only provides for a varied program for fans, but serves a purpose for lesser experienced drivers to be competitive and to show to potential owners another side of ownership unavailable with thoroughbreds or quarter horses,” said Dave Elliott, General Manager.

CHHA executive director, Jim Perez shared Mr. Elliott’s view by saying, “I applaud the efforts made by the California amateurs’ CADC over the last few years. The CHHA thinks amateur racing provides some nice variety from our overnight program and the late closing concept for our bottom level horses is an innovative and worthwhile endeavor that we are happy to support.”

For general information about the CADC, please visit www.thecadc.com.