CHHA and Harness
Racing featured on "The Contender"
April
21, 2005 - by Kim Hankins
On Sunday, April 24th, at 9 pm
pacific, the NBC reality show, "The Contender" will include
a challenge that utilizes jog carts for the remaining
boxers. The challenge will consist of the contestants racing
around the track while pulling their friend or family member
as they sit in the jog cart seat. Last June, the producers
of NBC contacted Executive Director Kim Hankins of the CHHA
(California Harness Horsemens Association) to help make this
challenge possible. With the help of trainer/driver Chris
Hernandez and many other horsemen, a dry run of the event
was staged here in Sacramento last July.
In August jog carts, donated by Rick Plano, were shipped to
Santa Anita Race Track for the taping of the event. Nathalie
Tremblay (2nd trainer for Nicol Tremblay) and David Kuri
(groom) shipped the jog carts to Santa Anita and provided
technical support .Harness saddle cloths (numbers) were also
provided by CHHA to identify each boxer. CHHA appreciates
the help and support of these "friends of CHHA". It was
another opportunity to promote our industry at no cost. The
show will be seen by millions of viewers and it will be
difficult for viewers not to notice the California Harness
Horsemen's Association "Horsemen Helping Horsemen" banner
affixed to the hub rail at the finish line.
Spread the word and don't forget to tune in on Sunday at 9pm
Pacific to NBC in support of our industry!
Again, many thanks to those people that helped with this
project
