With projected temperatures and a heat index expected to exceed 105 degrees Aug. 28 in Central Indiana, Horseshoe Indianapolis is proactively canceling the racing program, which was scheduled to begin at 2:10 p.m. ET at the height of the extreme heat conditions.
“We have been keeping a close eye on the temperatures and heat indexes all week,” said Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager. “The weather service has just reissued a warning for Wednesday that escalates the heat index into an unsafe category. We want to be proactive and alert all horsemen and racing fans about the decision to cancel racing today, allowing everyone ample time to adjust their plans for Wednesday.”
Horseshoe Indianapolis racing management worked closely with the horsemen’s organizations for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in determining the correct decisions for the racing program. The advisement to cancel was a joint decision among all groups. Horseshoe Indianapolis will work to add additional races to next week’s lineup to provide additional racing opportunities for all horsemen.
“Our human and equine athletes are always at the top of the list when it comes to safety so it’s important for us to act quickly when unsafe conditions like this are in the forecast,” added Halstrom. “We will continue to monitor the forecast, but we should be able to conduct our racing program set for Thursday, August 29 beginning at 2:10 p.m. However, we will talk with our horsemen’s groups as we get closer to that day and reevaluate the decision, if needed.”
Delaware Park and Kentucky Downs Adjust Post Times
The heat wave has also caused Delaware Park and Kentucky Downs to make changes to their scheduled post times during the week.
With the National Weather Service also forecasting a heat index near 105 degrees in Delaware on Wednesday afternoon, Delaware Park has moved up post time for their first race one hour to 11:30 a.m. ET. There will be approximately a half hour in between each race on the eight-race card.
Likewise, Kentucky Downs has shortened the time between races on their opening day, Aug. 29, in anticipation of heat. The new post times are as follows (in CT):
- 1st race – 12:25 p.m.
- 2nd race – 12:53 p.m.
- 3rd race – 1:21 p.m.
- 4th race – 1:49 p.m.
- 5th race – 2:17 p.m.
- 6th race – 2:45 p.m.
- 7th race – 3:13 p.m.
- 8th race – 3:44 p.m.
- 9th race – 4:14 p.m.
- 10th race – 4:41 p.m.
- 11th race – 5:09 p.m.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
