Aqueduct cancels Friday card

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Well, this is a new one.

Friday’s nine-race Aqueduct card was canceled due to air quality issues after Resorts World, which operates the casino adjacent to Aqueduct, retreated the facility’s entire roof. The smell from the chemicals was stifling, particularly on the upper level where racing officials - including the stewards, the teletimer operator, placing judges and Equibase personnel - are located.

“Resorts World Casino did not alert NYRA in advance as to the nature of today’s roof maintenance work,” NYRA spokesman Pat McKenna said. “Unfortunately, the work performed by Resorts World prevented NYRA employees and racing officials from safely accessing the top floor of the building. And as a result of that work, NYRA was forced to cancel today’s card.”

Aqueduct remained opened for simulcasting as the lower floors of the building were not affected. Live racing is scheduled to resume Saturday.

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