Racing cancellations due to poor air quality caused by Canadian wildfires continued on Friday, with Woodbine in Toronto, Canada, and Laurel Park in Laurel, Md., both announcing their live racing programs have been called off.
Following is the statement from Woodbine:
Woodbine Entertainment has announced today's card of live racing at Woodbine Racetrack is cancelled due to poor air quality.
Environment Canada's air quality index for Toronto is listed as 'High Risk' and is expected to remain at this level throughout Friday. Woodbine's decision to cancel comes through consultation with the HBPA and is consistent with the AGCO's air quality guidelines.
Woodbine will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as required.
The next card of live racing is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 1:10 p.m.
Laurel Park announced its cancellation via a Tweet from the Maryland Jockey Club account:
Due to poor air quality, live racing has been canceled today. Today's card will be moved to Thursday, July 6.
— Maryland Jockey Club (@LaurelPark) June 30, 2023
According to a 9 a.m. ET reading on the Airnow.gov website, the air quality index (AQI) reading for Laurel, Md., was 153, considered “unhealthy” by the Environmental Protection Agency. It was as high as 197 on Thursday at 1 p.m., according to Airnow.gov.
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