California Sets Most of 2002 Racing Schedule

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California's Thoroughbred racing calendar will be trimmed by 12 days in 2002, but Quarter Horse and Standardbred dates will be expanded.

The California Horse Racing Board on Aug. 24 approved next year's calendar for Southern California, and for the first three months of 2002 for Northern California. Among the changes is an elimination of six-day racing weeks except for Del Mar.

Here's the Southern California schedule: Santa Anita Park (Dec. 26, 2001-April 21, 2002), Hollywood Park (April 24-July 21), Del Mar (July 24-Sept. 11), Fairplex Park (Sept. 13-Sept. 29), Oak Tree at Santa Anita (Oct. 2-Nov. 3), and Hollywood Park (Nov. 6-Dec. 22).

In Northern California, Golden Gate Fields will race Dec. 26, 2001-March 31, 2002. Magna Entertainment, which owns Golden Gate and Bay Meadows, argued against a six-day cut for its tracks, so the commission tabled action on further dates, as well as fair dates.

Los Alamitos will hold Quarter Horse racing from Dec. 27, 2001-Dec. 22, 2002. Cal Expo will offer harness racing from Dec. 26, 2001-Aug. 3, 2002, and Sept. 25-Dec. 22.

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