California Horsemen Hold Annual
Meeting
Monday, April 24, 2006 - from David
Siegel, CHHA Director
The California Harness
Horsemen’s Association (CHHA) held it annual meeting on
Sunday March 26th, 2006 in Sacramento, California. Over 100
members attended the luncheon and afternoon program.
Director Dave Haness was the emcee for the event.
CHHA President Ben Kenney opened the meeting with a
membership and board update. The board re-welcomed incumbent
horsemen Rick Plano and Jimmy Perez, and welcomed incoming
owner Mike Brown as the board’s newest member.
The mike was turned over to Steve Chambers, California
Standardbred Sires Stakes Committee (CSSSC) Chairman, who
informed the membership of purse increases, foal crop size
increases, and a “three-peat” bonus of $100,000 to be split
annually amongst horses who have won a Sires Stakes
Championship at age two, and the spring and fall three year
old championship. Chris Schick, Sacramento Harness
Association (SHA) General Manger then took the podium and
issued his annual “State of the Association” statement to
the membership. The SHA is in its first year of managing the
Northern California meet and has made great strides in
improving the product. Chris commented about the TV and
radio show, the improvements to the track’s grandstand, and
the increase in handle. He also commented about the SHA-CHHA
proposed coalition between California and key Midwestern
states to help attract additional racing stock to the
California harness industry.
After the “business” portion of the program concluded, four
lifetime achievement awards were presented. Bob Johnson was
honored for his achievement of 1000 wins as a trainer. Jim
Perez’s 1000 win milestone as a trainer was also highlighted
for the membership. Rick Plano was honored for reaching 4000
wins as a driver and 2000 wins as a trainer. Finally, Ed
Hensley drew the spotlight for his achievement of 3000
driving and 1000 training victories.
Ben Kenney then took center stage and presented the 2006
CHHA’s President’s Award to Keith Willey. The award is for
meritorious service to horsemen. Keith’s tireless efforts as
the administrator of the Sires Stakes Committee have been
appreciated and recognized by his peers, and finally
memorialized by this award. The 2006 Service to Horsemen
Award was presented to Billy Don Wainscott, Cal-Expo’s
outrider, for his outstanding service to all of the drivers
and trainers that have had the privilege of sharing the
racetrack with him.
The day’s festivities ended with the awarding of the 2005
Horse of the Year award to owner Monique Seibold for her
three-year old trotting champion colt, Trot For Rock, who
sported a 18-9-5-2 record for trainer/driver Steve Desomer,
while earning just over $84,000 during his three-year old
campaign.
