NYRA/Coglianese Photo

Saturday's card at Saratoga cancelled in anticipation of excessive heat

by NYRA Press Office

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), working jointly with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and under the advice and recommendation of the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), today announced it is cancelling Saturday's card of racing at Saratoga Race Course due to excessive heat forecast for the Saratoga and greater Capital Region.

"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 NYSGC Equine Medical Director Dr. Scott E. Palmer. 

The National Weather Service is predicting heat indices for Saturday ranging from 105 - 110 degrees, which is derived from the combined effects of air temperature, wind speed and humidity.

"Working in consultation with NYTHA and following the recommendation of Dr. Palmer, we are cancelling Saturday's card in the best interests of the safety of our equine athletes and horsemen," said NYRA CEO & President Dave O'Rourke. "Assessing the safety of racing conditions, including weather, racing surfaces and raceday scrutiny, is of the utmost importance to NYRA and our industry partners."

Training will be permitted Saturday on both the main track and Oklahoma training track in the normally cooler temperatures experienced during morning training hours.

"We fully support the sensible decision reached in consultation with all parties to ensure a safe racing arena for our beloved equine athletes," said NYTHA President Joe Appelbaum.

The last time an entire Saratoga racing card was canceled because of extreme heat was on August 2, 2006, when temperatures rose to the upper 90s and the heat index measured as high as 110 degrees.

Saratoga Race Course and Belmont Park will be closed on Saturday for simulcasting. Aqueduct Racetrack will be open for simulcasting, with online wagering available through NYRA Bets.

For information regarding ticket exchanges, please contact the NYRA box office at 844-NYRA-TIX or via email at [email protected].

Live racing continues on Friday at Saratoga with a 10-race card, highlighted by the Grade 3, $150,000 Lake George. First-race post time is 1 p.m. 

About the New York Racing Association (NYRA)

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) holds the exclusive franchise to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic impact to the State. 

Over the course of 219 days of live racing in 2018, NYRA generated more than $2.1 billion in all-sources wagering handle with paid attendance exceeding 1.7 million for the fifth consecutive year.