California Incentives Announced
Monday,
June 26, 2006 - Scott Ehrlich,
publicity director, the Sacramento
Harness Association
A
new incentive program for Cal-Expo
harness racing, effective August 2,
has been announced.
The program is a joint venture
between the Sacramento Harness
Association and the California
Harness Horseman's Association.
Every new horse making its first
start, between August 2, 2006 and
March 31, 2007, will receive a
$2,000 bonus. In addition, any time
that new horse wins during the
period, a $500 bonus will also be
awarded.
If a new horse is claimed or sold
during the time period, the owner of
record at the time of the horse’s
first start at Cal-Expo will be
“grandfathered in” for 50 percent of
all the bonus money.
"Initial reaction to the plan has
been unbelievably positive," Ben
Kenney, president of the California
Harness Horsemen’s Association,
said. "The ownership base is really
energized with the year-round
schedule and incentive money.”
“We are really excited about
partnering with the California
Harness Horsemen’s Association on
this unique incentive plan," Chris
Schick, general manager of the
Sacramento Harness Association,
said. "The goal of this plan is to
generate the field size and
competitive product needed to take
our industry in California to
another level."
Sacramento Harness is in the midst
of a strong meet at Cal-Expo
Raceway. Average nightly handle is
up more than 15 percent, compared to
last year, and purses are up more
than 20 percent.
For more information about the
California new horse incentive plan,
contact Sandee Baker, Sacramento
Harness Association owner relations
and new owner development manager,
at (916) 239-4040, ext. 203.
The details of the program can be
found by clicking:
New Horse Bonus Details. In
addition, the topic will be
discussed at the upcoming CHHA
meeting on Saturday, July 29th, to
be held at Cal-Expo at 12:30pm.
