Gulfstream Park West Set to Start After Delay
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The 2016 Fall Turf Festival at Gulfstream Park West is on schedule to start Oct. 8, having emerged unscathed from the threat of Hurricane Matthew that prompted a three-day postponement.
Sister facilities Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla., and Palm Meadows Training Center in Palm Beach County were also unaffected by the hurricane. Horses trained at all facilities Friday morning.
Due to ongoing construction at Gulfstream Park West, there is a lack of amenities and no simulcasting available on site. Track management is urging patrons to enjoy the amenities at Gulfstream Park, where full-card simulcast betting is available.
Saturday's weather calls for clear skies. The track at Gulfstream Park West is expected to be fast and the turf firm.
"The safety of our horses, horsemen, and fans will always be our main priority," said P.J. Campo, vice president of racing for The Stronach Group and general manager of Gulfstream Park. "We're extremely happy that our horses, horsemen, and facilities suffered no injuries or damage during the threat of Hurricane Matthew and we're excited to start our program at Gulfstream Park West.
"We are asking our fans to watch and wager on Gulfstream Park West at Gulfstream Park where they will have full amenities and the ability to wager on simulcasts throughout North America."
Gulfstream Park West, where a 40-day meeting is scheduled to run through Nov. 27, will offer a 10-race program Saturday with a first-race post time of 1:15 p.m. E.D.T.
There will be a Wednesday through Sunday schedule during the meet, which will also offer live racing on Monday, Oct. 10 and Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The Fall Turf Festival stakes program will be highlighted Nov. 26 by a pair of Grade III stakes, the $100,000 Tropical Turf Handicap and the $100,000 My Charmer Handicap.