West Virginia commission approves Charles Town dates

The West Virginia Racing Commission has approved a 220-day racing season at Charles Town in 2015, although a shorter meet likely will be run.

Under state law, Charles Town must apply for at least a 220-day season. The track reported that it has reached an agreement with the local division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association to reduce the number of days to 193 and has requested the commission amend the schedule.

The schedule approved by the commission calls for the meet to begin Jan. 2 and run throughout the year. Racing is scheduled to be held four days a week until July 18 and then five days a week thereafter. The amended schedule would not affect the first six months of the year.

Charles Town will have a first post of 7 p.m. Eastern on all but two of its days. The Charles Town Classic card on April 18 will start at 12:45 p.m. This will be the first time the Grade 2, $1.5 million Charles Town Classic will be run during the afternoon.

The Sept. 19 Race for the Ribbon program, which is topped by the Grade 3, $500,000 Charles Town Oaks, will begin at 5 p.m.