Heat Cancels Colonial Racing, Laurel Moves Post Times
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Photo: Jim McCue / Maryland Jockey Club
Racing at Laurel Park
High temperatures and humidity in the forecast for the Mid-Atlantic have caused Laurel Park to push back its post times for races July 23 and prompted Colonial Downs to cancel racing for July 25.
, and in the best interests of its horses, horsemen and fans, the Maryland Jockey Club has pushed back post time for Saturday's live 10-race program at Laurel Park.
The first race on Laurel's 10-race card July 23 is a 5 1/2-furlong turf claiming sprint for maiden fillies 3-5 that will go off at 1:50 p.m. rather than the usual 12:40 p.m. starting time. The National Weather Service forecast calls for abundant sunshine and a high of 95 degrees Saturday, and near-record temperatures approaching 98 degrees Sunday. Laurel previously moved its Sunday program to Thursday, July 28.
MJC acting president Mike Rogers said the track uses a protocol called the WetBulb Globe Temperature measurement, which takes into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover to determine potential heat stress. It is different than the heat index, which takes into consideration temperature and humidity including for shady areas. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration also uses the WBGT to manage workload in direct sunlight.
"It's used by all major sports, the military and the Federation Equestre Internationale as a better way of determining whether heat exposure will be a risk to performance," Rogers said. "We've been using the measurement. It's not just about temperature—95 degrees can feel different in direct sunlight rather than shade."
Colonial Downs | BloodHorse.com Track Profile">Colonial Downs canceled its Monday, July 25, card because of the excessive temperatures and heat indexes predicted. Temperatures are projected to be around 96 degrees around New Kent, east of Richmond.
Monday's featured stakes is the $150,000 Colonial Cup at 1 1/2 miles on the turf, which will now be run on July 27 as originally drawn. Live racing resumes on Tuesday, July 26, at 1:45 p.m.