West Virginia’s two Thoroughbred tracks have been approved for a combined 445 racing programs in 2012.
The West Virginia Racing Commission granted Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races 235 live racing days and Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort 210 racing days. The numbers match or exceed statutory minimums included in the state’s racetrack gaming law.
Charles Town will race from Jan. 3 through Dec. 29. Mountaineer will open March 2 and end its meet Dec. 21.
Charles Town will race five days a week from January to June and October to December, and four days a week in July, August, and September. Weekday and Saturday post time generally is 7:15 p.m., with Sunday post at 1 p.m.
The grade III Charles Town Classic program is tentatively set for April 14, the Sprint Festival for June 30, and the Race for the Ribbon program for Sept. 22.
Mountaineer will race five days a week (Fridays through Tuesdays) with first post at 7 p.m. The grade II West Virginia Derby will be run in the afternoon Aug. 4.
Both tracks will release complete 2012 stakes schedules at a later date.