For the second time this month, purses at Cal Expo will be increased by 25 per cent across the board, beginning on Friday, May 18

. The increases will remain in effect through the end of the current meeting on June 16.

“We are pleased to provide this additional purse increase to the horsemen, who have supported our program,” said Director of Racing David Elliott. “This increase is due to the underpayment because of increased handle, while Cal Expo has also reached into their own pocket with an additional $175,000.”

During the racing week of April 30 through May 6, the total handle was $2,228,486, which generated $90,411 to the purse pool. The most recent program on Saturday, May 5 saw a total handle of $1,083,316.

(With files from Cal Expo)