Monmouth to race Saturday while heat shuts down Saratoga

Due to the expected excessive heat forecast for Saturday, several thoroughbred tracks in the Northeast, including Saratoga Race Course, have cancelled their slates. New Jersey’s Monmouth Park, however, so far is planning to race.

With a heat index for Saturday expected to be between 105 and 110 degrees, Saratoga choose to cancel in advance.

“This is a responsible and prudent decision that aligns with our New York Racetrack Heat Management Protocol designed to ensure safe racing for all participants,” said Dr. Scott E. Palmer, the New York State Gaming Commission Equine Medical Director.

Monmouth is hosting its biggest race day of the year Saturday, featuring the $1 million Haskell Invitational. The forecast high for the track, located in Oceanport, N.J., is 92 degrees with a real-feel temperature of 104 degrees according to AccuWeather.

Officials at Monmouth said there are weather protocols in place to keep both humans and equines safe, including extra medical personnel, extra hoses to cool down horses before and after races, a misting system in the paddock and shortened post parades.

“Our priority will be the safety of the horses, jockeys and our fans,” said Dennis Drazin, the chairman and CEO of Darby Development, LLC, which operates Monmouth Park. “We will be in contact with the state veterinarians, and if we feel it’s unsafe for horses there are things we can do.”

NBC will broadcast at Monmouth from 5-6 p.m. with an estimated posttime for the Haskell for 3-year-olds at 5:45 p.m.