April 26, 2014, Pleasanton, California ~ The California Horse Racing Board approved a license application submitted by Oak Tree Racing Association and Alameda County Fair to conduct three weeks of racing at the Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA, beginning on June 19th and running through July 6, 2014. CHRB approval represents the latest step forward in a year-long effort by Oak Tree, Alameda County Fair and the California Authority of Racing Fairs to offer a new concept for racing in Northern California.
“On behalf of the Oak Tree Board of Directors, we want to thank the California legislature, the Governor and our friends in the racing industry who have supported and encouraged this effort,” said John Barr, President and Sherwood Chillingworth, Executive Vice-President of Oak Tree Racing Association, in a joint statement. “Oak Tree has worked closely with Alameda County Fair and California Authority of Racing Fairs on the negotiations and legislation that have led up to this approval. We want to thank the management and boards of both organizations for what we’ve been able to accomplish together.”
“The alliance with these partners will be a big gain for horse racing in Northern California,” said Alameda County Fair CEO Jerome Hoban. “Combining the legacy of Oak Tree with the long heritage of racing at Alameda County Fair will bring new excitement to racing at Pleasanton. This is also a great opportunity to showcase horse racing to the hundreds of thousands of people who attend our Fair every year. Our community is looking forward to the event.”
“Oak Tree will complement purses for the upcoming meet with a sponsorship contribution of $150,000 which will be dedicated entirely to purses.The meeting will feature four stakes over the three weeks, most notably two $100,000 Stakes:on Saturday, June 21,the Oak Tree Handicap for horses three and up at a mile and an eighth, and the Oak Tree Distaff on Saturday, June 28, for Cal-Bred fillies and mares three and up at six furlongs (supported by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association as part of their Golden State Series).
“Oak Tree’s service and charitable activities over the years have been very beneficial to the racing industry in California,” said CHRB Chairman Chuck Winner. “The alliance with CARF and Alameda County Fair is a shot in the arm for racing in Northern California. We wish them success.”
During its 40 years of dedication to the cause of “Horsemen Helping Horsemen,” Oak Tree has contributed more than $26 million to projects benefiting the racing industry.
The largest grants for industry support have included more than $4.6 million in support of projects at the University of California, Davis, Center for Equine Health and Performance. Oak Tree also gives to the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation, American Horse Council, Race Track Chaplaincy and Winners Foundation, which assists people in horse racing combat substance abuse.
Other racing-related beneficiaries have included Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly, Pomona, Equine Research Center, Washington State University, the California Horse Racing Board, Southern California Equine Foundation and several retired horse facilities.
More about Oak Tree:http://www.oaktreeracing.com/node/28
More about the 2014 Alameda County Fair and Horse racing: http://www.alamedacountyfair.com/2014fair/index.php
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