by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — The 2012 Cal Expo Harness winter-spring-summer racing schedule was approved by the California Horse Racing Board at its monthly meeting held at Hollywood Park Racetrack on Nov. 17.

The racing schedule which begins on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 and continues through Saturday, June 17, 2012, will consist of 70 racing days. Racing at the Sacramento oval will continue on a Thursday through Saturday basis with the exceptions of four Thursdays — January 5 and 19, February 23, and May 31. Racing will not be held on those Thursdays.

Post times for the daily schedule will continue to be 5:30 p.m. (PST) on Thursdays and 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

This week will find an abbreviated schedule, with programs on Friday (Nov. 25) and Saturday (Nov. 26) at 6 p.m., but no racing on Thanksgiving. The regular three-night schedule will resume on Thursday (Dec. 1) and continues through Dec. 18.

Cal Expo now offers a reduced 15 percent takeout rate on all Pick-4s (Thursday/Friday nights in partnership with the USTA Strategic Wagering Program). In addition, all Late Pick-4s will come with a $10,000 guaranteed pool. On Saturday night, there will be a zero percent takeout on successful Late Pick-4 tickets made at Cal Expo or at Twinspires.com.