By California Thoroughbred Many individuals were involved with the creation of California Cup in 1990, leading to increased opportunities for California-bred runners. At the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Lou Rowan and Don Valpredo spearheaded efforts to create such a program. The Oak Tree Racing Association quickly signed on, led by its board and then-general manager Ray Rogers. Sherwood “Chilly” Chillingworth had come onto the Oak Tree board in 1989 and became its executive vice president in 1993. His efforts to promote California Cup in subsequent years have immeasurably helped the state’s breeding industry and make him a worthy addition to the Hall of Fame. When California Cup celebrated its 25th running in 2015, Chillingworth recalled those early years. “Oak Tree was bred to be helpful to the industry, and we thought this was a fine idea,” he said. “But we had to write new legislation and alter our stakes schedule. It wasn’t an easy thing to do. Oak Tree put up a lot of the money to make it happen,... ...
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