Maier sentenced to one year in jail, 5 years probation

For his part in a race-fixing scheme at Cal Expo, former harness driver Daniel R. Maier was sentenced Jan. 25 to one year in Sacramento County jail and five years formal probation.

Maier, 23, was convicted of bribery to affect the outcome of a horse race, conspiracy and grand theft in what is believed to be the first successful prosecution of a race-fixing case in California. Maier did not drive in the May 5, 2006, race in question, but bet more than $3,000 on the race. He was later arrested at New York's Monticello Raceway, where he was working as a driver.

Sacramento Superior Court judge Matthew Gary also forbid Maier from coming within 200 yards of any racetrack or gambling facility during his probation.

Maier, who is appealing his conviction, was taken into immediate custody. He was the second former driver convicted in the case.

Former driver-trainer Raymond Burt, who testified for the prosecution, pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe to not use his best effort in a horse race and was sentenced to six days in jail and three years probation.

In an earlier action, the California Horse Racing Board revoked Maier's license and banned him from any racetrack or simulcast wagering facilities in the state. Stewards at Cal Expo also recommended a permanent ban on his licensing.

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