Major Claiming Action Highlights First Legs of Lou Pena Sponsered Series

Major Claiming Action Highlights First Legs of Lou Pena Sponsered Series
Monday, October 24th, 2011 - Contact: David Siegel (dsiegel@axcis.com)

While the Bronte Research Epilepsy Foundation is the big winner in 3-week amateur race series being held at Cal-Expo, the claiming box saw more action than in recent memory with four horses changing hands. In one of the two boy’s division, race winner Serious Art ($5.00, Dave Siegel) had six claims entered. Fourth place finisher Kamoda’s Fantasy (Sue Boyce) was claimed as well. In the other boy’s division, class-dropper Sterling Chris (Robert Stepien) was claimed. The lone claim in the girl’s division was Just Plum Lucky (Marco Rios). The largest amateur race series ever conducted in California conducts is second legs this Saturday. The entrants in each series (boys and girls) are aiming toward the $10,000 final scheduled for Saturday November 5th. Recently announced, 500 “Bronte” T-shirts will be given away at the track on final’s day.

The Bronte Epilepsy Research Foundation also got some more good news this week augmenting the scheduled $7000 donation going to them through the series. That number has been significantly augmented with an additional donation pledged by acclaimed driver George Brennan. Sponsor Lou Pena commented, “it’s so great that George and Tracie are helping me with this cause- George is one of the best drivers I have ever had the pleasure to know, and while I thought his driving ability could not be bested, he has bested it himself with his generosity.”

The amateur drivers that are members of the California Amateur Driving Club (CADC) are vying for a spot on the West team for the 2012 East-West challenge that will be held this spring. So far, the team looks like it will be female dominated with Amanda Fraser, Karen Isbell and Sue Boyce holding three of the top four spots, with Dave Siegel holding the fourth. Veteran participants Rick Bertrand and Robert Stepien have up to six more races to displace the four current leaders to secure a spot on the team. Current standings are available on the CADC web site.

California Harness Horsemen’s President, Alan Kirschenbaum is enthusiastic about the variety that the series brings to the racing program and the opportunity it brings to potential owners. "Amateur driving remains one special area that separates the sport of harness racing from every other popular sport in the world. You can love auto racing, but you're never going to drive a race car in an actual race. You can love baseball, but you're never going to play against professionals in a real game. But in harness racing, anyone can climb down from the stands and into the sulky."

The leg-two races will take place this Saturday, October 29th. Free programs and selections are available at trackmaster.com/calx.

More information about amateur driving can be found on the CADC web site (thecadc.com).