Massive wildfires in Southern California, snow and freezing conditions in Arkansas, high winds in New York, and extreme cold in Kentucky have forced tracks to cancel racing for several days.
Santa Anita Park, in Arcadia, Ca., remains within wildfire range and due to poor air quality, the track postponed racing Friday (Jan. 10). The 10-race card has been rescheduled for Thursday (Jan. 16).
Santa Anita Park – Photo Courtesy of Santa Anita Park
A decision on whether racing will be held Saturday and Sunday was expected later Friday. The Saturday card features five stakes races for California breds.
“While Santa Anita continues to remain well outside of any active fire area, the smoke from the wildfires is affecting all of Los Angeles County,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita’s general manager. “We also want to respect the impact that this tragedy has had on many of our community, including our horsemen and women and our own Santa Anita team, who have been devastated by these fires.”
Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., canceled racing for the weekend (Jan. 10-12) amid severe weather – snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. The track made the announcement on Wednesday (Jan. 8). Canceled are 10-race cards on Friday and Saturday, and a nine-race card on Sunday. The Pippin Stakes for older fillies and mares set for Saturday will now be run on Jan. 19.
Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., canceled racing for the second day in a row, calling off Friday night’s card due to ‘extreme cold’ winter weather. The track planned to resume racing on Saturday, Jan. 11.
At Aqueduct in Ozone Park, N.Y., racing was canceled Thursday due to high winds, but resumed on Friday with temperatures in the mid-30s and wind gust to 16 mph.