Continuing to set the standard for innovation in amateur racing, Cal-Expo Racing, The California Amateur Driving Club and the California Harness Horsemen’s Association today announced two late closing series for amateur drivers, sponsored by TVG.

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, May 8 for three consecutive Saturdays, is a conditioned claiming event with tags on the first two legs of $4,000 and $4,500 plus allowances. Horses that have run in $4,000 'C' level and lower claiming races after April 20 at Cal-Expo are eligible. The second series for bottom level claimers will be run in September. Nominations for the May series close on Monday, May 3.

Complete details of the series are available here.

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," said general manager Dave Elliott. "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.”

CHHA president and amateur competitor Alan Kirschenbaum echoed Elliott’s enthusiasm for the event by saying, “The amateur drivers here in California always provide exciting, aggressive racing, because these men and women relish the opportunity to get out there and compete, and I think the fans and the bettors enjoy the change of pace."

For general information about the CADC, click here.

(CADC)