High winds force cancellation of Thursday card at Belmont Park
by NYRA Press Office
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has canceled Thursday's live racing program at Belmont Park due to dangerously high winds forecast to impact Long Island throughout the day.
In the wake of a strong coastal storm that made its way through Long Island and the New York Metropolitan area overnight Wednesday, the National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Thursday with current forecasts calling for sustained high winds throughout the afternoon with gusts as high as 55 mph. As a result, NYRA has cancelled live racing on Thursday in the interest of the safety of all participants.
Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Players Club and the Belmont Café will remain open for simulcasting and online wagering is available through NYRA Bets.
Live racing is scheduled to resume at Belmont on Friday, October 18 with a first post of 1:15 p.m.
Saturday marks the return of Empire Showcase Day, where a total of 96 New York-breds are entered for a special 11-race card to celebrate the best of New York. Headlined by Pat on the Back's attempt to defend his 2018 Empire Classic victory, the card features eight stakes races worth $1.75 million in total purses. First post on Saturday is 12:20 p.m.
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