Live racing has been cancelled at multiple tracks late this week due to excessive heat forecast across the eastern half of the United States.
Woodbine Racetrack has cancelled racing on Thursday, July 27, and Friday, July 28. Laurel Park has canceled Friday's card, while Colonial Downs and Ellis Park have cancelled racing on Friday and Saturday. Delaware Park has also cancelled it's Saturday program.
Woodbine released the following statements:
Due to the extreme heat warning in the Toronto area Thursday, and in consultation with veterinarians and the HBPA, Woodbine has made the decision to cancel today's (Thursday, July 27) live Thoroughbred racing as a precaution for equine welfare and the safety of all racing participants.
Woodbine will continue to monitor the weather and forecast to determine whether we will proceed with live racing on Friday, July 28.
Today's races will be offered to be carded for Sunday, July 30.
Woodbine will also endeavour to make up for Thursday's cancelled races by adding additional races over the next few race cards.
Due to the extreme heat warning forecasted for Friday in the Toronto area, and in consultation with veterinarians and the HBPA, Woodbine has made the decision to cancel live Thoroughbred racing on Friday, July 28, as a precaution for equine welfare and the safety of all racing participants.
Live racing is scheduled to return on Saturday, July 29.
Friday's races will be offered to be carded for Thursday, August 3.
Woodbine will also endeavour to make up for today and Friday's cancelled races by adding additional races over the next few race cards.
The Maryland Jockey Club Tweeted this update Thursday morning:
Out of an abundance of caution, due to excessive heat, Friday's card has been canceled and moved in its entirety to Thursday, August 3rd. #MJC
— Maryland Jockey Club (@LaurelPark) July 27, 2023
Colonial Downs released this statement:
Colonial Downs, working jointly with the Virginia HBPA and Virginia Racing Commission, announced Thursday it is cancelling the Saturday, July 29 racing program out of an abundance of caution due to excessive heat forecast. The Saturday cancellation is in addition to the previously announced cancellation of Friday's card.
Friday races will be brought back as drawn on Wednesday, August 2, with a 1:30 p.m. ET post time. There will be an additional race date to be announced to account for Saturday's program.
The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures in the upper 90s and heat indices ranging from 105 – 110 degrees for Friday and Saturday.
Ellis Park released this statement:
Officials from Ellis Park Racing & Gaming announced Friday and Saturday's programs will be postponed to Monday and Tuesday, respectively, due to forecasted temperatures in the high 90s and a projected heat index value of 106 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The Friday-Saturday cards will transfer as is to Monday-Tuesday and will not be redrawn.
Sunday's nine-race program remains on schedule. First post Sunday-Tuesday will remain 11:45 a.m. (CDT).
Delaware Park released this statement:
Acting upon the recommendation of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission (DTRC) veterinarians, Delaware Park has cancelled the live racing card scheduled for tomorrow due to the excessive heat forecasted for the region.
The entire live racing card scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, July 29, will be transferred to Friday, Aug. 4.
The national weather service has predicted temperatures in the 90s with a heat index of value approaching the mid-100s.
Live racing is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, Aug. 2. First race post time is 12:30 p.m.
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