The final weekend of live horse racing at State Fair Park begins Thursday night and concludes Sunday.

Today's racing begins at 6:45 p.m. and features happy hour specials. Friday is the fundraiser and silent auction for jockey Mike Luark, who suffered six broken vertebrae in a riding accident on May 24.

Saturday is Fan Appreciation Day, with free general admission, free programs and free tip sheets, along with prize bags to the first 2,500 fans. Hot dogs and sodas will sell for $1.

Jockey Appreciation Day is also Saturday, with jockey introductions and autographs.

Fans will also have free general admission closing day Sunday, when the leading trainer and leading jockey awards will be presented. The $25,000 Capitol City Futurity will is the featured race.

Post times are 6:45 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Nebraska circuit moves to Omaha for live racing at Horsemen's Park, July 16-19.

Sunday marks the final day the Nebraska State Fair, which is moving to Grand Island, will oversee Lincoln's annual live meet.

The Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association takes over in 2010 and will sublease the current track to Omaha Exposition and Racing, which will run the Lincoln meet. The Omaha group also operates Horsemen's Park in Omaha.

Reach Brian Rosenthal at brosenthal@journalstar.com or 473-7436.