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 canceled weekend racing on Saturday morning as the Southern California wildfires continue to threaten areas near the racetrack.
Santa Anita Park – Photo Courtesy of Santa Anita Park
Racing at the track in Arcadia, at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, was canceled Friday, and track officials waited until early Saturday to cancel Saturday and Sunday’s races.
Track officials cited “overnight developments with the wildfires on the west side of Los Angeles.”
In a news release, the track said: “The air quality standards at the racetrack remain well within the limits established by the CHRB and HISA, and are forecast to remain so, but the impact of these devastating fires is growing throughout Los Angeles County.”
The track is being used to support several relief efforts. A charity drop-off set up at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena was relocated to Santa Anita.
The track also said morning training would continue over the weekend and the facility remains open for simulcasting.
Rescheduling Saturday’s California Cup Day will be determined later.
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.
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