Tropical Storm Cancels Racing Sept. 23 at Aqueduct
Image:
Description:
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
The New York Racing Association canceled racing Sept. 23 at Aqueduct Racetrack due to high winds and significant rainfall forecast to create hazardous weather conditions in the New York metropolitan area.
The National Weather Service is calling for sustained high winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour and heavy rainfall throughout the day. As a result, Saturday's 10-race card has been canceled in the interest of the safety of all participants.
Saturday's featured $150,000 Noble Damsel Stakes (G3T) and $125,000 Ashley T. Cole Stakes will be brought back Sept. 29 with entries to be taken Sept. 24. Racing at Aqueduct is scheduled to resume on Sunday with a nine-race card featuring the $125,000 Joseph A. Gimma Stakes and the $125,000 Bertram F. Bongard Stakes. The Sunday card features a $62,293 Pick 6 carryover.
The forecasted heavy rainfall and winds are due to the formation of Tropical Storm Ophelia on Friday afternoon. The strong tropical storm is set to pound the East Coast this weekend, bringing heavy rain in addition to strong gusty winds, some rough surf, and the potential for coastal flooding.
According to the National Weather Service, about an inch of rain and strong winds are forecast Saturday in Bensalem, Pa., where Parx Racing is set to host the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) and Cotillion Stakes (G1) during their biggest annual day of racing.