NYRA persevering with opening-day card at Saratoga
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- It looks like the show will go on as scheduled Friday at Saratoga Race Course.
Despite a forecast that calls for temperatures in the low-to-mid-90s and a heat index between the high-90s and 100, the New York Racing Association plans to proceed with the opening-day program of the 46-day Saratoga meet on Friday. Under New York State Gaming Commission protocols, when the heat index reaches 105, discussions about whether to proceed with or cancel a race card need to take place.
“Based on the most current weather forecasts, NYRA expects opening weekend to proceed as scheduled,” NYRA spokesman Pat McKenna said in an e-mailed statement Thursday afternoon. “We look forward to welcoming fans back to Saratoga Race Course tomorrow."
First post for Friday’s 11-race card is 1:10 p.m.
The forecast for Saturday and Sunday calls for temperatures and heat-index values to moderate some.
NYRA plans to follow a bevy of heat-related protocols put in place by the gaming commission.
All horses who are entered to run on any day are examined by NYRA veterinarians on the morning of the race to ensure they are sound and ready to run. During hot weather, those vets pay particular attention to any signs that a horse may be reacting negatively to heat.
Veterinarians are positioned throughout the paddock, horse paths, winner’s circle, track, and exit points to carefully monitor horses before, during, and after each race.
Cooling stations are positioned on the horse paths, in the paddock, and on the track so that ice and water are always available for the horses and jockeys. Horses are closely watched following the completion of each race on their way back to the barn area.
Horses can be hosed and covered with light sheets soaked in ice water to keep them cool on their way to the paddock. Following the race, a horse should be cooled out with hosing, ice water, and walking to help restore normal body temperature.
NYRA utilizes an on-site weather station located in the infield that allows for real time data monitoring on the premises.
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