Committee
appointed to study the California
Sire Stakes
Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - from
CHHA
The California Harness
Horsemen’s Association (CHHA) will endeavor to improve the
flagging California Sire Stakes program, and as a first step
towards that end has circulated the following memo, signed
by Association president Ben Kenney:
“Now that several of our most current challenges are
approaching resolution we need to focus our collective
energy on our most important long-term asset -- the
California Sire Stakes program. No other program can and
will have as much impact on our future in California. Over
the past decade we have seen consistent erosion in both
purses and racing opportunities for the California
Standardbred. The loss of the Gold Series and the reduction
in Sire Stakes purses are clear signals of impending
disaster. I do not know how we can expect our states
breeders to continue to operate in this environment. We need
to make it better.
“I am confident that, working together, we can build a solid
future for Cal-Breds. It will require the cooperation of our
breeders, owners, trainers, and racing management to
accomplish this task. As your president and with the support
of the CHHA Board, I have named a new Sire Stakes Committee
and charged them with several specific tasks:
“First, to
develop a report detailing the past five years
of Sire Stakes funding, production, and expenses
so that we can all see the significant trends.
“Second, to
develop a five-year forecast outlining the
future potential for Sire Stakes purses and
racing opportunities.
“Last, but not
least, we will survey all of our breeders and
other key players to develop a list of
recommendations and a strategy for the future.
“In order to accomplish
these tasks and provide a report back to our Board in June,
I have named the following members to the Committee: Vickie
Desomer, Jim Perez, Stephen Chambers, and Alan Kirschenbaum.
I will also serve as a member and work closely with the Sire
Stakes Committee administrator, Wayne Knittle, to accomplish
these important tasks.
“The Committee will be conducting an extensive survey in
early May, and I hope you respond. We will keep you apprised
of our progress and I thank you in advance for your
support.”
