Gov. George Deukmejian signed into law a...

Gov. George Deukmejian signed into law a bill that would allow up to 10 weeks of harness racing at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona and another five weeks of quarter horse racing, possibly at Los Alamitos.

The law, by Assemblyman Richard Alatorre (D-Los Angeles), is aimed at boosting the sagging fortunes of both racing industries. It was supported by the State Horse Racing Board.

Last year, Deukmejian, concerned about saturation of racing in Southern California, vetoed similar legislation that would have allowed up to 25 weeks of harness racing at Pomona.

But Saturday, a spokesman for the governor said Deukmejian was willing to support the Alatorre bill because it added fewer days to the racing schedule than last year’s proposal.

Pomona Fair officials have lobbied for the bill because they view harness racing as a keystone to improving their racing facilities.