Aqueduct, Laurel, Penn National cancel Friday racing

In the aftermath of Thursday's heavy snowstorm along the East Coast that dumped a foot or more of snow, Friday's racing programs at Aqueduct, Laurel Park, and Penn National Race Course were canceled. Penn National also called off its Saturday evening program.

Aqueduct and Belmont Park remained open Friday for simulcasting.

Friday’s card will be the fifth full card of racing at Aqueduct lost due to weather this winter. A sixth program had its final eight races canceled due to fog. Training at Aqueduct and Belmont was canceled Friday morning.

Live racing at Aqueduct is expected to resume Saturday with a nine-race card, topped by the $100,000 Stymie Stakes, though a few inches of snow is forecast for Saturday.

Laurel has lost four cards this winter due to bad weather. Live racing is scheduled to resume Saturday with a first post of 12:35 p.m. Eastern. The 10-race card features the Grade 2, $300,000 Barbara Fritchie Handicap and the $100,000 John B. Campbell Stakes.

Laurel and its sister track, Pimlico, will be open for simulcasting Friday.

Thursday’s winter snowstorm that dropped more than a foot of new snow in most areas of central Pennsylvania cost Penn National its 15th lost card of 2014.
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“It’s been a very rough winter for our horsemen, fans, and the track,” said racing secretary David Bailey. “Long range weather forecasts call for temperatures in the 40s next week, so we are all hoping that we can get back on our regular schedule next Wednesday at 6 p.m.”