Excessive Heat Forces Canterbury to Move Back Post Time

With high heat indexes expected, Canterbury Park racing officials, after consulting with the Minnesota Racing Commission and the Minnesota Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, decided to shift post time for Wednesday, Aug. 23, to 6:30 p.m. CT from the originally scheduled 5 p.m.

Last Saturday officials postponed the live racing program because of projected excessive heat, rescheduling the eight-race card for Aug. 24. The Thursday program will begin at 5 p.m.

"Adjusting post time Wednesday is the correct move based on the heat index projections," said director of racing Chris Merz. "Making the decision today allows for trainers to be prepared and for our guests and employees to also make necessary arrangements. Safety of both the horses and the humans that work outdoors is a primary consideration."

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning until 10 p.m. Aug. 23, which means heat index values could be as high as 110 degrees. A heat advisory follows from 10 p.m. Aug. 23 until 7 p.m. Aug. 24. An advisory applies to heat index values up to 95 degrees.

These advisories apply to central, east central, south central, and southeast Minnesota and northwest and west central Wisconsin.

Overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the 70s but could possibly remain in the lower 80s in the metro and southern Minnesota.