Harness Drivers Fail to Get OK to Race at Los Alamitos

Twenty harness racing drivers who were denied the opportunity to drive in races at Los Alamitos Race Course failed in their attempt Wednesday to get a temporary restraining order in federal district court. The court did grant the group a hearing on Feb. 12.

Richard Craigo, an attorney representing the group, said he is seeking the injunction on the basis that the drivers’ civil rights were violated because they were denied an opportunity to earn a living.

The action was filed after Los Alamitos required all its drivers to meet minimum standards based on experience and success rate over the last two years. The group initially asked the California Horse Racing Board to include the matter on its agenda for its meeting today in Monrovia. Craigo said the request was denied because the agenda was already full.