Blistering heat forces wave of meeting cancellations across U.S

As North America sizzled under record-breaking temperatures this past weekend, the harness racing industry was left with no choice but to hit the brakes. Multiple racetracks across the United States were forced to cancel live meetings due to dangerous heat indexes, prioritizing the safety of both horses and humans.

Plainridge Park (Massachusetts)

Scheduled racing for Monday, June 23 was cancelled due to excessive heat, adding to Tuesday’s card which had already been scrapped the previous week. With temperatures soaring into unsafe territory, officials made the proactive call to wait out the conditions. Racing is expected to resume on Thursday, June 26.

Ocean Downs (Maryland)

Initially delaying Sunday’s post time to a cooler 7:30 p.m., the track eventually cancelled Monday’s card (June 23) outright. A decision on Wednesday’s racing schedule is still pending, with officials closely monitoring the ongoing heatwave.

Saratoga Casino & Raceway (New York)

Both Monday and Tuesday’s cards (June 23–24) were scrapped due to an unacceptably high heat index.

Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania

Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania is racing its afternoon card today (Monday), but it is cancelling in regular Tuesday 1 p.m. program because of the anticipated extreme heat. Also, qualifiers at Pocono on Wednesday will be starting at 9 a.m.

by Harnesslink Media