(a) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of, and subject to the conditions specified in subdivisions (c) and (d) of, Section 19596.2, if the total number of thoroughbred and fair racing days allocated by the board in the northern zone in any calendar year commencing with the calendar year 2001 is less than the total number of thoroughbred and fair racing days allocated by the board in calendar year 2000, a thoroughbred racing association or fair that has been allocated fewer racing days in the northern zone may distribute the audiovisual signal and accept wagers on the results of out-of-state and out-of-country thoroughbred races during the calendar period the association or fair is licensed to conduct a live race meeting, excluding Saturdays and Sundays.
(b) The total number of out-of-state and out-of-country thoroughbred races upon which wagers may be accepted pursuant to this section shall be sufficient to the extent reasonably possible to prevent any loss of revenue to the General Fund and the California racing participants, as determined by the executive director of the board but shall not exceed a maximum of three out-of-state or out-of-country thoroughbred races for every live race that has been eliminated by the board. A thoroughbred racing association in the northern zone shall not import these races on a day when a fair is conducting live racing in the northern zone.
(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 936, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2002.)