Aqueduct planning to race on turf April 6

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association plans to schedule its first turf races of the year for April 6 at Aqueduct, according to Martin Panza, the senior vice president of racing operations for NYRA.

It has been a relatively mild winter, and Glen Kozak, vice president of facilities and racing surfaces, was able to get a tarp over the course several months ago to shield it from the elements.

The 19-day spring meet officially begins March 31 and runs through April 24. Racing switches to Belmont Park on April 29.

Speaking of Belmont, Panza said he is hopeful of opening the main track for training April 1, weather permitting.