Weather puts racing in doubt

CALGARY, Alberta - A torrential downpour Saturday afternoon resulted in the cancellation of the final two races and the entire card Sunday. The forecast of further rain left Wednesday's abbreviated seven-race card in limbo, pending a decision to be made Tuesday morning.

Riders cited uneven footing as the cause of Saturday's cancellation, and steady rain through the night left management with little choice but to cancel Sunday's eight-race program as there was no opportunity to maintain the racing surface.

Both the Duchess of York and the Herald Gold Plate were casualties and will be redrawn for closing weekend.

Racing secretary Russ Armstrong released the weights for Sunday's Penny Ridge, and Dancing Allstar will be asked to tote a highweight assignment of 128 pounds should trainer Terry Jordan opt for the $75,000 stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

Should Jordan decline, he has the option of going in Saturday's $125,000 Alberta Derby with Dancing Allstar, the Sovereign Award-winning filly, and would get in at 116 pounds against male rivals carrying 121 pounds.

* Trainer Rob Chabot has been granted a stay of a 30-day suspension issued after his horse Follow the River, winner of a $7,500 claiming race here May 24, tested positive for the prohibited medication salicylamide. Chabot will saddle local hopeful Ballintoy in the 1 1/16-mile Alberta Derby.