MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
AMATEURS BIG WINNERS IN LATE CLOSING SERIES

Contact: David Siegel (dsiegel@axcis.com)

While L S Orchardwinner, the Campbell Elbert-owned, Frank Petrelli-trained pacer got the big purse, California Amateur Drivers were the big winners when the first (of two) Late Closers concluded on Saturday night at Cal-Expo. This marks the half-way point of the TVG California Amateur Driving competition which feature two 3-week series. The first for conditioned $3000 claiming “boys”, the second, which begins July 11, for a similar class of fillies and mares. The final had a purse of $8400, about four times what the entrants would have normally raced for.

Steve Chambers, California Amateur Driving Club (CADC) secretary presented the series champion’s trophy to conditioner Petrelli and a host of supporters in the winners circle. His charge rebounded from a second to last place finish in the first leg, to win the second leg and the final.

While the owners get the cash spoils, the drivers are competing for trophies (awarded to the first, second and third place finishing over the course of both series), a spot on the 2010 East-West Challenge driving team, and a chance to represent the CADC in the amateur championship race during Jug week in September.

Steve Chambers, California Amateur Driving Club (CADC) Secretary commented, “The summer months here is a competitive challenge with all of the fine eastern racing available. The boys and girls later closers for amateur drivers help us stir the pot just a little. The racing style is a little different with all amateur drivers, and the added monies make it a win-win for the horseman and the track. He went on to say, “this is a great example of what can happen when our management group (Cal-Expo) and our horsemen’s association (CHHA) work together. The CADC is most appreciative of both groups efforts on our behalf, and of course thankful to TVG for putting up sponsorship monies resulting in such large purses for our finals.”

New amateur driver Jerry Cisco commented, “I am appreciative that I got a chance to drive in my first amateur series. In the final, I drove one of the nicest horses I have even been behind, something that would not have likely happened had it not been for this event.”

For general information about the California Amateur Driving Club and the series and current standings, charts and video links, please visit the Club’s Web Site (cadc.com).