CHRB Allocates 2009 Race Dates

At a meeting today at U.C. Davis, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) approved the California Thoroughbred race meet calendar for 2009.

The Northern California calendar reflects significant changes from recent years, due to the closing of Bay Meadows in San Mateo. The following race meet dates were approved:

• Golden Gate Fields - Dec. 26, 2008 through June 14, 2009
  
• Stockton Fair - June 18-28
  
• Pleasanton Fair - July 1-19
  
• Vallejo Fair - July 22-26*
  
• Santa Rosa Fair - July 29-Aug. 9
  
• Golden Gate Fields - Aug. 12-23 (to benefit California Fairs)
  
• Ferndale Fair - Aug. 13-23 (overlaps with Golden Gate)
  
• Sacramento Fair - Aug. 26-Sept. 7
  
• Golden Gate Fields - Sept. 9-Oct. 4
  
• Fresno Fair - Oct. 7-18
  
• Golden Gate Fields - Oct. 21-Dec. 13

*Vallejo Fair week was tentatively approved pending further discussion among industry stakeholders.

Southern California Race Dates Approved:

• Santa Anita (LATC) - Dec. 26, 2008 - Apr. 19, 2009
  
• Hollywood Park - Apr. 22-July 19
  
• Del Mar - July 22-Sept. 9
  
• Fairplex - Sept. 10-28 (no racing Monday, 9/14)
  
• Oak Tree at Santa Anita - Sept. 30-Nov. 8
  
• Hollywood Park - Nov. 11-Dec. 21**

**Hollywood Park has agreed to provide 6 months' notice prior to permanently closing down.