Arctic Blast Forces Number of Racing Cancellations

The winter weather forced a number of racetracks to cancel upcoming race cards.

The New York Racing Association announced Jan 30 it has canceled live racing scheduled for Thursday at Aqueduct Racetrack due to dangerously low windchill values forecast in the New York City metropolitan area. In New York, in addition to live racing, training at both Belmont Park and Aqueduct, including jogging barns, will also be closed Thursday.

Aqueduct will remain open for simulcasting and online wagering is available through NYRA Bets. Belmont Café will be closed for simulcasting Thursday. Live racing resumes Feb. 1 at 12:50 p.m.

During this time of cold, winter weather, NYRA will have extra support staff on hand at both Aqueduct and Belmont to assist with any facility-related issues. Horsemen are instructed to contact NYRA Security at (516) 775-3096 with any issues during off hours.

With the National Weather Service calling for sub-zero windchill, NYRA officials made the decision to cancel Thursday's card in advance for the benefit of horsemen and racing fans.

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, which previously cancelled its Jan. 30 card, announced the Jan. 31 card also would fall victim to the weather. Simulcasting will continue as scheduled with live racing currently slated to resume Friday night.

Other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic tracks to cancel cards include Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, which called off four race cards from Jan. 30-Feb. 2; and Mahoning Valley Race Course, which canceled Wednesday racing.

Laurel Park has canceled its Thursday card, as well, but will remain open for simulcast wagering.

"With record-setting arctic air moving into the area and wind gusts expected up to 50 mph, we felt it was in the best interest of our athletes to cancel racing Thursday," said Maryland Jockey Club president Sal Sinatra, who added that Laurel will run 10 races on Saturday and Sunday with first race post on the weekend at 12:15 p.m.