The New York Racing Association's board of trustees has approved a 2003 schedule of 261 racing days between its three tracks—Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course.

The schedule, which will now be sent for approval to the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, is nearly identical to last year's, with one lone exception: Belmont Park's fall meeting will last an extra five days with its 38 days from September 5 through October 26, and Aqueduct's fall meet from October 29 through December 31 will comprise 44 days, losing four days over its 2002 fall dates.

Aqueduct opens the year with a 50-day winter meet from January 1 through March 9, followed by a 38-day spring meet from March 12 through May 4. Aqueduct will offer dark-day simulcasting during January, February, and March, except on Tuesdays.

Belmont Park will conduct a 55-day spring meet from May 7 through July 20. Saratoga was allotted 36 days from July 23 through September 1.

Twilight racing will be held during Belmont's spring meet, with a 3 p.m. ET first post on Fridays, except for July 4 when first post will be 1 p.m.