Lone Star cancels remainder of Friday card after severe storm

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Lone Star Park on Friday night was forced to cancel its second through ninth races, including the Grade 3, $200,000 Texas Mile, after a severe thunderstorm moved into the area. The Texas Mile has been rescheduled for next Friday night, May 1, according to Bart Lang, director of racing for Lone Star.

Lone Star was able to get its first race off Friday, but heavy rains hit soon afterward and horses were delayed in the saddling paddock for the second race. The races were called off about 7:35 p.m. Central.

“We had 75 mile-per-hour winds and a driving rain falling at the rate of four inches per hour,” said Scott Wells, president and general manger of Lone Star. “It washed out the turns of the racetrack. We did an immediate assessment along with the riders and determined it was unsafe to continue racing this evening.”

The storm eventually moved on, and Wells said crews were working on the track. He said Lone Star plans to race as scheduled Saturday night. Wells said he was appreciative of the cooperation from all parties, including patrons and horsemen. He said Lone Star has lost 17 races over the past week due to inclement weather and the goal is to make those races up within the allotted dates at Lone Star.

Sr. Quisqueyano was the favorite for the Texas Mile and plans for the horse, who flew in from south Florida, are to remain in town for next Friday’s race, owner Ron Paolucci said. Paolucci took the cancellation in stride Friday.

“You’ve got to do what’s right with the horses,” he said. “We’re looking to run back for sure. I won’t be here for it. I’ll be in Kentucky.”

Paolucci, a Dallas resident, is co-owner of Kentucky Derby prospect War Story.

Entries for the Texas Mile will be taken Sunday, Lang said.

Lone Star refunded all wagers on the balance of Friday’s card.