Strengthening California's harness racing heritage

The California Standardbred Sires Stakes Committee provides the oversight, structure, and funding that keep the state's trotters and pacers competing — from the Stallion Register through to series purses and awards.

Explore the Program

About the Committee

Oversight built to protect breeders, owners, and the sport

Established by law, the California Standardbred Sires Stakes Committee (CSSSC, Inc.) administers the Sires Stakes Fund and every program connected to it. Our work ensures that investment in California-bred standardbreds is recognized, rewarded, and safeguarded across generations.

The CSSSC Board meets regularly — generally in conjunction with the California Harness Horsemen's Association board meetings — to govern eligibility rules, set race conditions, and direct purses and awards with transparency and consistency.

Statutory Authority

Created by law to oversee and administer the Sires Stakes Fund for California.

Transparent Governance

A standing board sets eligibility, race conditions, purses, and awards.

Industry Partnership

Works alongside the California Harness Horsemen's Association statewide.

Programs & Services

Four pillars of the Sires Stakes program

Every CSSSC program works together to support California's standardbred breeding industry — from registering a stallion to paying out series purses.

California Stallion Register

The official register of stallions standing in California, establishing eligibility for the Sires Stakes program.

Eligibility & Staked Generations

Clear rules defining which horses qualify and how staked generations carry forward year to year.

Sires Stakes Series Races

A full schedule of series races for eligible trotters and pacers, run on Sires Stakes race nights.

Purses & Awards

Administration of purses and awards that reward competitive performance and breeding investment.

Take Part

Register your stallion and protect your investment

Standing a stallion in California or have you sold a stakes-eligible horse? Keeping the CSSSC informed protects potential earnings and keeps your records accurate. The committee does not track ownership changes — confirm transfers and sales as soon as possible.

Get Started

Events & Racing

Sires Stakes race nights and schedule

Series races run throughout the season for eligible California-bred standardbreds. Stay current with the schedule and key dates.

Race Series

Sires Stakes Series Races

Eligible trotters and pacers compete across the Sires Stakes series on designated race nights at Cal Expo. Conditions and divisions are set by the CSSSC Board.

See current schedule

Board Meetings

CSSSC Board Meetings

The committee meets regularly, generally in conjunction with the California Harness Horsemen's Association board meetings, to govern the program and its purses.

Contact for meeting dates

News & Updates

Latest from the committee

Program announcements, schedule releases, and important reminders for breeders and owners.

Schedule

Sires Stakes schedule posted

The current Sires Stakes schedule is now available, outlining series race nights and key dates for eligible standardbreds.

Stallion Register

Stallion registration open

Owners standing a stallion in California can register for the Stallion Register to establish Sires Stakes eligibility for their progeny.

Reminder

Report ownership and address changes

Sold a stakes-eligible horse or changed your address? Notify the CSSSC promptly — the committee does not track ownership changes automatically.

Partners & Stakeholders

Working together for California harness racing

CHHA California Harness Horsemen's Association

Cal Expo Host venue for Sires Stakes race nights

Breeders & Owners California standardbred stallion and horse owners

Trainers & Drivers Horsemen competing in the Sires Stakes series

"A well-run Sires Stakes program is what gives California breeders the confidence to keep investing in the sport — generation after generation."

— The mission behind the CSSSC

1 Fund The Sires Stakes Fund, administered with full oversight

4 Programs Register, eligibility, series races, purses & awards

Year-Round Continuous board governance and program administration

Get in Touch

Questions about the program? We're here to help.

Whether you're registering a stallion, confirming eligibility, or reporting a change of ownership, the CSSSC administrator can guide you through it. Reach out by email, phone, or in person on race nights.

Email the Administrator

Office Room 80, Cal Expo Grandstand — open Sires Stakes race nights

Mailing Address P.O. Box 254509, Sacramento, CA 95865

Administrator — Donna Newman 916-919-7469 · csssc@chhaonline.com