Canadian wildfires

Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Canada was forced to cancel its live race card Tuesday due to concerns over air quality. "Widespread wildfire smoke continues to produce very poor air quality and reduced visibility in and around the City of Winnipeg," according to a statement from the track. "It is expected to clear out of the region overnight." Racing is expected to resume at the track Wednesday with a first post time of 7:30 p.m. CT.

The New York State Racing and Gaming Commission (NYSGC) issued clear regulations regarding racing and training at Belmont Park based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) Thursday afternoon, in light of the ongoing poor air quality due to the Canadian wildfires, according to a press release from Scott Palmer, the state's Equine Medical Director. The press release reads: "If the AQI is between 151 and 200, no horse will be allowed to workout or race unless their attending veterinarian certifies that the horse will not be adversely affected by the...

As live racing cancellations continued to mount Wednesday in light of unhealthy air quality due to residual smoke from Canadian wildfires, training will be prohibited Thursday morning at both Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced Wednesday evening. This is particularly impactful as Belmont's three-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is scheduled to kick off Thursday afternoon. A decision regarding Thursday's live racing program at Belmont, which has a first post of 3:05 p.m. and will feature the GII Wonder Again S. for 3-year-old fillies...

Compromised air quality due to Canadian wildfires forced the cancellation of racing following the third race at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack in upstate New York Tuesday. The track cited New York State Gaming Commission safety recommendations for the cancellation. Racing is scheduled to resume at Finger Lakes Wednesday with a first post time of 1:20 p.m.