Precautions in the wake of Hurricane Irene among numerous racetracks across USA
Numerous racetracks have been closed down after the cancellation of races and on track simulcasting on the 27th and 28th August, 2011, due to Hurricane Irene heading towards the East Coast from Florida and Carolina. Majority of these
racetracks are clustered in the Mid-Atlantic.
Even the training sessions and wagering outlets will be brought to a halt until the hurricane suppresses.
The Grade 2 Hill ‘n’ Dale Molly Pitcher Stakes to be held at Monmouth on Sunday has now been rescheduled for the 3rd of September, with entries re-drawn, six entries were attracted earlier on.
The season extends till November this year so the Sunday card will be made up sometime later in the season.
As the initial edge of the storm would only result in a rainy Saturday afternoon so the Saturday’s activities have only been changed into shortened post times.
The bang on affect will influence Sunday and the situation turns out to be further disappointing as with the full moon, the tides will be at their highest, disturbing the drainage.
Assistant vice president/operations, Horace Smith, recalls the 1992 flooding which was so intense that large metal manure bins crashed through the restraining walls and ended up on the local roads.
Monmouth comprises of six barns house which accommodates 300 horses along with their trainers, all suggested to relocate to the 50 empty stalls.
Moving the horses to local farms and training centers or relocating to the meadowlands where roughly 300 to 400 barns are available, was also put up as a viable option.
“It’s in the best interests of our patrons, our employees, our horsemen and of course the horses to take this proactive step to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Bob Kulina, vice president and general manager of Monmouth. “With road closures and evacuations
under way, it simply made sense to cancel Saturday as well as Sunday”.
Emergency has been declared in New Jersey, closing both Saturday and Sunday. Southeastern Pennsylvania is the exact target and thus the Parx Racing and Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack will remain close on Sunday.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia being on the western side did not have to reschedule anything however Delaware would open Saturday and no go on Sunday. Same applies to Suffolk Downs in Massachusetts.
Saratoga remains on schedule and it was stated, "Our current forecasts do not project any rain on Saturday, and a moderate amount on Sunday. We will take it on a day-by-day basis and will do everything possible to ensure the safety of the horses and the
jockeys, which is always the top priority."
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