In an effort to stabilize the state's harness industry, the California Horse Racing Board unanimously approved a license for Cal Expo to operate harness racing at its fairgrounds through the remainder of 2008. “We all welcome that you’ll step in and keep harness racing alive,” CHRB chairman Richard Shapiro told Cal Expo officials at the board's Feb. 28 meeting at Arcadia City Hall. “We know that you can do a good job.… We’ll do all we can to help everyone concerned."
Starting March 6, the trotters and pacers will compete Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 2. After a break and track renovation for the State Fair Thoroughbred meet, harness racing returns in mid-September. This marks the first time in its history that Cal Expo has been licensed for racing outside the State Fair meet, Cal Expo chief executive office Norb Bartosik said. “We’re picking up many of the same people who worked with SHA,” he said. “It’s a very fine staff. We’ll be ready to roll when our dates start.” Among those making the transition are track announcer Scott Ehrlich and racing secretary Fred Kuebler. SHA general manager Dick Feinberg will stay in Sacramento for about four to six weeks before returning home to Florida. Sacramento Harness Association, which had been racing at Cal Expo for almost three years, will run its final program Saturday night, March 1. The not-for-profit association shuts down the following day, but will continue to pay off its obligations. “We have faith that Sac Harness will make everything good,” said trainer Jim Perez, executive director of the California Harness Horsemen’s Association, which represents about 400 owners, trainers and drivers. CHHA reached an agreement Feb. 28. “Cal Expo jumped in to help our industry,” Perez said. “We’re quite comfortable with them. Our main concern: We want to race.”--By Debbie Arrington
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