Nebraska sets 2012 race dates

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska State Racing Commission approved a 2012 schedule of 91 days for live racing in the state at its meeting in Lincoln on Thursday afternoon, keeping the same number of race days that were allotted in 2011.

Notable changes in the schedule occur at Lincoln and Omaha. Horsemen’s Park in Omaha will present a pair of three-day weekends of racing for 2012 instead of its usual four-day festival weekend.

Lincoln Race Course will hold its meet at the on the former state fairgrounds for the final time in 2012, as its lease with the University of Nebraska at Lincoln runs out. The property there, including the grandstand, barn area, and racing surface will be demolished as the development of the University’s Innovation and Technology campus continues. The 2012 meet has been shortened by a weekend, with 29 race cards scheduled instead of the 32 programs in 2011.

Fonner Park starts off the year with a 31-day season that runs Feb. 24 through May 5. Columbus retains its regular 23-day season for 2012.