Canterbury cancels Thursday card due to extreme heat

Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn., canceled its Thursday racing program because of heat. The National Weather Service forecasts a high temperature of 99 degrees near the racetrack on Thursday afternoon. Heat indices are forecast to remain above 100 degrees into the evening. First post for the card was scheduled for 6:46 p.m. Central.

“After consulting with Chief State Veterinarian Dr. Lynn Hovda, we have determined it is best to be proactive and cancel tomorrow’s races,” Canterbury president Randy Sampson said in a release. “The health and safety of both our equine and human athletes is always our primary concern. We also do not want to inconvenience our guests and race fans with a last-minute decision.”

On Friday, when Canterbury runs another night card, the high temperature is forecast to be 92 degrees. Pending approval from the Minnesota Racing Commission, the track plans to make up the canceled program on Thursday, Sept. 1.