Canadian wildfire smoke forces widespread harness racing cancellations

Smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada has forced the cancellation of several harness racing meetings across Canada and the United States.

Dangerously poor air quality has spread from the Great Lakes through the northeastern United States, creating unsafe conditions for horses, drivers, trainers, officials and spectators.

Friday’s affected harness meetings included Buffalo Raceway, Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Eldorado Scioto Downs and Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Buffalo Raceway is scheduled to resume racing on Saturday, July 18, with a 2.30pm first post, while The Meadows is also expected to return on Saturday at 12.45pm. Its programme includes two eliminations for the Grade 1 Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids.

Harrah’s Philadelphia is scheduled to resume on Sunday, July 19, at 12.40pm.

Racing at Scioto Downs was abandoned after air quality in central Ohio reached unsafe levels. The Buckeye Stallion Series races for two-year-old pacing fillies have been moved to September 3, with racing expected to resume at the track on Saturday.

Woodbine Mohawk Park also cancelled Friday night’s card after Environment Canada listed air quality in Milton as “High Risk.” The meeting’s Ontario Sires Stakes races have been rescheduled, while live racing is expected to resume on Saturday night at 6.30pm.

Friday’s meeting at the Jackson County Fair in Ohio was postponed until Saturday, while Grand River Raceway had already cancelled Wednesday’s qualifiers, schoolers and races because of wildfire smoke.

Woodbine Racetrack’s thoroughbred meeting on Thursday was also abandoned due to poor air quality in Toronto.

Officials will continue monitoring conditions, with participants and punters advised to check individual track websites before travelling or wagering on upcoming meetings.

The cancellations were made to protect the health and welfare of both horses and racing participants as dense smoke continues to drift south from the Canadian wildfires.

From Harnesslink Media