Attorneys Argue Case for Harness Drivers

U.S. Federal Judge John G. Davies heard arguments Monday from attorneys representing 13 harness drivers and the Los Alamitos Race Course. The drivers were denied the right to drive at Los Alamitos because they did not meet minimum criteria based on experience and success ratio.

Davies took the arguments under submission and is expected to render a decision in a few days. Richard Craigo, an attorney representing the harness drivers, said that the drivers’ civil rights were being violated by the track’s exclusion. Jerry Mandel, representing the track, cited California Horse Racing Board rule 1990, which says a track can refuse to hire at its discretion.

There is also a chance that Davies will not rule for either party and say that this is not a matter for a federal court. If so, the case will be refiled in state court.