Heat wave takes a toll on racing programs

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The heat wave that has settled over a large portion of the U.S. and Canada has forced the cancellation of several racing programs for both Thursday and Friday.

Thursday racing cards at Finger Lakes, Presque Isle Downs, Colonial Downs and Woodbine have been cancelled with Monmouth Park cancelling its Friday program. The tracks are taking these actions in the best interest of employees, horsemen and thoroughbreds.

"Our main concern is for the safety of our horses and jockeys," said Robert Kulina, vice president and general manager of Monmouth Park. "With temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees combined with high humidity, we had no choice but to reschedule the program to Monday."

"In the best interest of the horses and after having discussed it with the HBPA and the veterinarians, it's the right decision to cancel Thursday's thoroughbred card," said Steve Koch, Woodbine's vice president of thoroughbred racing.

Weather permitting, Monmouth Park will make up the Friday card by running the races on Monday, July 25 when the track was scheduled to be dark. The New Jersey track will resume live racing on Saturday with Finger Lakes, Presque Isle and Woodbine set for live racing on Friday. Colonial Downs in Virginia will also have live racing on Saturday.