Belmont Stakes in doubt after New York suspends horse racing because of air quality
ELMONT, N.Y. — Saturday’s running of the Belmont Stakes has suddenly been downgraded from probable to possible after the state of New York suspended racing, training and workouts Thursday.
“The New York State Gaming Commission directed all tracks to stop all racing, training and workouts until further notice,” the commission’s statement said. “The Gaming Commission continues to monitor air quality and rely on guidance from veterinary expertise to ensure any decision to resume racing is based solely in the best interest of the horse population.”
The air on Thursday was improved from what it was on Wednesday afternoon when it appeared as if there was a light orange lens over the sky.
The return of Kentucky Derby favorite Forte and Preakness winner National Treasure adds intrigue to the race as the sport deals with a spike in horse deaths.
Before the state order, the New York Racing Assn. canceled workouts and the first of the three-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. The two stakes races, the Grade 2 $200,000 Wonder Again and $150,000 Jersey Girl, will now be run Sunday. Its intent was to resume racing Friday.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was behind the state order.
“As New Yorkers continue to experience unhealthy air quality as a result of Canadian wildfires, we must all work to ensure that animals, including those peak-performance equine athletes, are protected,” Hochul said. “The measures being implemented at tracks across New York state are effective steps to keep all those who participate in the sport safe now and into the future.”
The Gaming Commission uses standards that are in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality index (AQI). If the number is higher than 200, there can be no racing or training in New York. If it is between 150 and 200, horses must pass a pre-race respiratory screening.
Todd Pletcher-trained Forte is 5-2 favorite for Belmont Stakes after scratching from Kentucky Derby. Tapit Trice and Angel of Empire also given low odds.
The Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita and other tracks, sets their number for cancellation at 175.
On Wednesday, on Long Island, the AQI high was 265. Mid-afternoon on Thursday it had dropped to 132.
If that trend continues racing could resume as early as Friday. But not until the state reverses its order.
“Safety is paramount as we navigate this unprecedented situation,” said David O’Rourke, New York Racing Assn. president and chief executive, on Thursday. “NYRA will actively monitor all available data and weather information as we work toward the resumption of training and racing both here at Belmont Park and at Saratoga Race Course. Based on current forecast models and consultation with our external weather services, we remain optimistic that we will see an improvement in air quality on Friday.”
The legendary home of the Kentucky Derby moves the remainder of its meet to Ellis Park after 12 horses die on the track since April 27.
The current air quality conditions are considered the worst in the Northeast in more than 20 years. Finger Lakes, near Rochester, N.Y., canceled racing Wednesday and will resume Monday. Delaware Park and Penn National also suspendedracing Wednesday and Thursday.
The Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) issued the following statement:
“HISA does not have a specific rule regarding air quality but HISA’s Racetrack Safety rules require racetracks to develop, implement, and annually review hazardous weather protocols. HISA supports the use of the Air Quality Index as published at airnow.gov to guide decisions about training and racing. Air quality can vary significantly between tracks, and the authority to alter training and racing schedules ultimately lies with the individual jurisdiction and racetrack.”
The one-day suspension of training is not expected to affect any of the horses scheduled to run in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes. It’s being viewed as a normal weather interruption, which occurs at tracks all the time.
There were concerns about smoke at the 2019 Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita given the track’s proximity to the Getty and Tick fires, but the wind worked in the track’s favor and there were no issues. In 2020, the fall meeting was pushed back a week because of the Bobcat fire.
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