Wet Turf Forces Cancellation of Spa Steeplechase Stakes
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Photo: Coglianese Photos/Amira Chichakly
Racing at Saratoga Race Course
Some classic Saratoga Springs downpours a day earlier wreaked havoc on the Aug. 24 card at Saratoga Race Course, forcing the cancellation of the day's steeplechase stakes and the moving of five other turf races to the main track, including the featured $135,000 John's Call Stakes.
A total of 1.47 inches of rain fell in Saratoga throughout the day Tuesday.
According to Saratoga racing secretary Keith Doleshel, the Michel G. Walsh Novice Stakes will be brought back on the Sept. 1 card if enough steeplechasers re-enter.
The John's Call was scheduled for 1 5/8 miles on the Mellon Turf Course and was shifted to a 1 1/4-mile distance on the main track. Hieroglyphics was scratched, leaving a field of five.
The main track was fast for Wednesday's races.