Long List of Tracks Cancel Weekend Racing Due to Heat

With extreme heat expected across a wide swath of the United States this weekend, a number of tracks have decided to cancel or postpone racing.

Belterra Park, Ellis Park, and Woodbine canceled their July 19 cards.

The following tracks called off their July 20 race cards: Belterra Park, Delaware Park, Ellis Park, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, Laurel Park, Parx Racing, and Saratoga Race Course.

Laurel also called off its July 21 card.

Hollywood Races at Charles Town Races has pushed back its post time Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

In Maryland, where the heat index is expected to reach 105-110 degrees Saturday and Sunday, the decision to cancel those cards was made by Maryland racing officials in consultation with the Maryland Thoroughbed Horsemen's Association.

Maryland Equine Medical and Health Director Dr. Elizabeth "Libby" Daniel said Maryland racing doesn't have a "set number for a heat index" that warrants a cancellation, but she has had discussions with officials in Maryland and other states. There is agreement that a heat index of 105 is an "absolute."

Daniel said the latest information projects heat indexes of 108 for Friday, 111 for Saturday, and 110 for Sunday, and she will closely monitor the Friday card.

"I'm concerned about Friday," Daniel said. "I'm going to get up in the morning and check all of my different resources and see what happens."

New York also noted the soaring heat index (based on temperature and humidity) expected Saturday in postponing its Saturday card to Sunday. 

"This is a responsible and prudent decision that aligns with our New York Racetrack Heat Management Protocol designed to ensure safe racing for all participants," said New York State Equine Medical Director Scott Palmer in the release.

As of Friday morning, Saratoga planned to race Sunday. The postponed Saturday card included the $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), which will now be run Sunday, according to NYRA. Sunday's 13-race card will include the Shuvee Handicap (G3), the entirety of Saturday's 11-race card, and a steeplechase allowance.

On July 18 at Laurel, the Maryland Jockey Club provided "ice blankets" and coolers of water that were close to the racetrack and also in the winner's circle, Daniel said. The blankets, she said, can help horses "recharge themselves quickly."

She also offered advice to grooms when it comes to using hoses on horses after races.

"People need to be cognizant of the fact that the water in hoses may be too hot," Daniel said. "They need to let the water run first. And they need to be sure they hose off horses when they come to the winner's circle."

Daniel said there was good communication among the MJC, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, and MRC in determining whether to race this weekend. The issue of racing in extremely hot conditions was discussed at a recent MRC Safety Committee meeting, at which Dr. Kelly Ryan, a MedStar Health Sports Medicine physician, stressed extreme heat also takes a toll on jockeys.

This story may be updated if additional cancellations are announced.

Correction: An earlier edition of this story incorrectly listed the status of Charles Town.