Citing weather, Parx will not hold turf races until at least August

Parx Racing does not intend to schedule any turf racing until at least August due to potentially unsafe racing conditions. The Pennsylvania track, which typically hosts its first turf races in late spring, had issues maintaining the course last year and claims that adverse conditions over the winter have rendered the surface unsatisfactory for racing.

“This winter was a particularly challenging one, with extreme weather across the country,” a Parx spokesperson said in a statement. “We will not schedule any turf racing until we can properly evaluate the course this spring.”

The spokesperson went on to say there is no set date for turf racing to return, and that the decision to resume racing over the surface will not be made until multiple parties agree on the safety of the course.

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“As of now, it does not appear likely that there will be any turf racing scheduled until after our August break, which runs from July 24 until August 18,” the statement said. “We are working with all of the stakeholders involved to ensure that when turf racing does return to Parx, it is done so over a surface that is safe, fair, and satisfactory to all participants.”

Last year, Parx had to temporarily suspend racing on the turf after a horse broke down on the surface in late August. With track officials facing pressure from local horsemen and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the turf was only used in three races the rest of the year. On the Pennsylvania Derby card on Sept. 21, the Grade 3 Turf Monster had to be moved to the dirt after another horse was vanned off the track and euthanized in a turf race earlier in the day.

While conducting tests on the turf last year, HISA officials reported that the course lacked moisture and had outstanding holes that posed a danger to horses. Parx reportedly took steps to address these concerns, but the surface is again unsuitable for racing at this time.

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