Monmouth Park, Penn National, Thistledown call off Friday cards due to heat wave

Due to the excessive heat and humidity blanketing much of the eastern United States, live racing was canceled Friday at Monmouth Park in New Jersey, Penn National Race Course in central Pennsylvania, and at Thistledown near Cleveland.

Monmouth’s 12-race program was shifted to Monday, beginning at 12:50 p.m. Eastern.

Live racing at Penn National is scheduled to resume, if conditions improve, at 6 p.m. Saturday. Thistledown has a 1:50 p.m. Eastern first post Saturday.

In addition, Delaware Park and Parx Racing have called off their Saturday cards.

Delaware's decision, announced early Friday afternoon, was made upon the advice of Delaware Racing Commission chief veterinarian John Peters in consultation with John Mooney, track's executive director of racing. Their concern was that extreme temperatures and humidity would pose a health risk to horses and riders.

Parx officials said they are hopeful live racing can resume Sunday at 12:25 p.m.