The only three racetracks that had Thoroughbred racing scheduled Tuesday had their cards cancelled because of the winter blast that has hit so much of the country. This marks the first day since Christmas when no Thoroughbred races will be run in the US.
Parx Racing called off morning training and its 1010-afternoonaces early Tuesday with an announcement posted at 5:15 am EST on social media. Overnight purses totalled $265,000 for the races that were cancelled.
The National Weather Service predicted rain, snow, freezing rain and a sub-freezing temperature for most of Tuesday in Bensalem, Pa. A sunny, 25-degree day is forecast for Wednesday when Parx has 10 races scheduled.
Mahoning Valley made the decision Monday not to race Tuesday afternoon, hen eight races worth $174,000 in purses would have been run.
The cancellation did not appear to have unanimous support.
“Management at Mahoning Valley has decided to cancel racing (Tuesday) due to the anticipated wind chill,” the Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association said on its website. “Management does not need HBPA approval to cancel, and they did not have it here. By contract the day will be made up at a date to be determined later. There will be training on Tuesday.”
Anticipating extreme cold weather, Louisiana Downs announced Saturday that it had canceled its seven quarter-horse races Tuesday afternoon. It still tried to run its card Monday before the decision was made in the morning to stay home.
