Section 19531.

The board shall make allocations of racing weeks, including simultaneous racing between zones, as it deems appropriate. The maximum number of racing weeks that may be allocated for horse racing other than at fairs, shall be as follows:

(a) For thoroughbred racing: 44 weeks per year in the northern zone; 42 weeks per year in the central zone; and seven weeks per year in the southern zone.

(b) For harness racing: 25 weeks per year in the northern zone.

(c) For quarter horse racing: 25 weeks per year in the northern zone.

(d) For harness racing and quarter horse racing: a total of 77 weeks per year in the combined central and southern zones.

(e) In its written application for a license, an applicant shall state the time of day, consistent with this chapter, during which it will conduct its racing meeting, and particularly the first race starting time for the various racing days. After receiving a license, a licensee shall not change the first race starting time without securing prior approval of the board.

(f) Notwithstanding this section or any other provision in this chapter, the board shall not allocate dates to a thoroughbred association in the central zone for the purpose of conducting racing during daytime hours if a thoroughbred racing association is conducting racing in the southern zone on the same date during daytime hours.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 1082, Sec. 52. Effective January 1, 2001.)