Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Cal-Expo Harness License Extended

January 17, 2008

Despite wobbly financial legs, Sacramento Harness Association can keep running its nighttime meet at Cal Expo - at least for two more months.

Meeting on Wednesday in Arcadia, the California Horse Racing Board extended SHA's temporary license through March 30. Before that expiration date, the cash-strapped association must develop a new business plan with possible solutions to its financial woes.

"We're doing everything we can to keep harness racing viable," CHRB chairman Richard Shapiro said.

To be licensed beyond March, SHA must also present audited financial statements and enough securities to cover its obligations. The current meet is scheduled to run through Aug. 2.

As a condition for its license, the CHRB has urged the operator to reduce its expenses and show a healthier bottom line. After receiving a 14.2 percent rent reduction Monday from its Cal Expo landlord, SHA officials had expected to receive a meet-long license. But CHRB commissioners still had many issues with the struggling association and wanted to see progress before granting approval.

"We have real serious concerns," Shapiro said. "(SHA) has done a damn good job of trying. They're good people. But the message is kind of obvious."