Aqueduct card washes out

JAMAICA, N.Y. - After making it through the entire winter without scrapping a single card, Aqueduct canceled its final eight races Wednesday - the first day of spring - because of unsafe track conditions. Following an eventful first race, the jockeys told management they would not ride the remainder of the card.

Aqueduct absorbed more than a half-inch of rain Wednesday morning, creating a sloppy main track for the day's card. Two of the six horses who ran in the first race broke down, including the 3-5 favorite, East Coast Country, who was pulled up by jockey John Velazquez early in the race and diagnosed with a bowed tendon.

Emily's Pleasure fractured her left front ankle and was euthanized on the track. Richard Migliore rode Emily's Pleasure and said the filly warmed up fine, but took a couple of missteps during the race. He said there were washed out spots on the track.

Migliore, who aggravated an old injury to his left collarbone, said Emily's Pleasure "seemed like she hit a funny spot" at the 3 1/2-furlong marker.

"I just feel like the track seems to be a bit inconsistent," he said. "Because of the rains there are parts of the track that are harder than other parts."

Both Emily's Pleasure and East Coast Country were claimed out of the race for $27,500. Trainer Richard Vega claimed Emily's Pleasure and Robert Klesaris took East Coast Country, who was fitted with a splint and taken off the track on an equine ambulance.

Nikita ($23.60) won the race under Mike Luzzi.

Jerry Porcelli, the track superintendent, said he was "surprised'' by the jockeys' decision and said he didn't see any washed-out spots. He said he would address the problems and have the track in racing shape for Thursday's nine-race card.

Aqueduct remained open for simulcasting and offered rain checks for admission, parking, and programs.