Aqueduct Racetrack is a familiar sight for American and international horse racing lovers. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) holds the authority for key decisions regarding the track and its racing events. In a recent instance, the NYRA took a tough call by canceling the weekend races at this renowned racecourse due to extremely cold weather. However, Aqueduct Racetrack is not the only one affected by the harsh winter conditions.
While it’s understandable for races to be canceled because of such issues, the NYRA’s decision to cancel Sunday’s races at Aqueduct Racetrack for the second consecutive time has stirred frustration amongst social media users. They expressed their concerns, particularly in response to the official report provided by DRF reporter David Grening.
Tough decision from the NYRA
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As a result of harsh winter weather, horse racing has been impacted globally. The cancellation of Sunday races was reported by DRF’s David Grening in his X post. The report indicated a temperature drop to 20 degrees. The NYRA’s decision came just two hours and thirty minutes before the event’s scheduled time, contrasting with Saturday’s race cancellation, which was announced on Friday.
AQU Sunday racing canceled due to continued cold temperatures
— David Grening (@DRFGrening) January 21, 2024
As per DRF’s report, NYRA spokesperson Pat McKenna also added a statement, saying, “The decision to cancel was made in consultation with the jockeys and New York State Gaming Commission.” More than 30 horses also went through timed workouts on Sunday morning, only for their trainer to see the race never happen on the same day. The $100,000 Rego Park, which was about to happen on Sunday, was rescheduled for Jan 28. Entries for the same will also be available from next Thursday.
Horse racing fans not happy with NYRA’s decision
Aqueduct Racecourse has been the site of two consecutive race weekend postponements, and supporters are understandably furious over the latest one. As soon as David Grening made the report on X, concerned horse racing fans descended upon the comment section.
ALSO READ – Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Park Abandoned as Freezing Temperature Grips Racecourse
This fan pointed out how NYRA canceled the race just a few hours before the event.
NYRA always on the ball, wait until everyone handicapped the card before canceling 2 hours before post
— Plantboy (@Tony8Baloney) January 21, 2024
A fan with a bit of sarcasm commented on the decision.
Might as well cease racing for January-February if you are gonna cancel an entire weekend
— Justin Nicklas (@JustinNicklas1) January 21, 2024
One fan had a suggestion for the NYRA.
They should add one of the days back like run Thursday maybe.
— mikeyhorse (@mikeyhorse2) January 21, 2024
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Among a lot of fans, this fan was also disappointed due to the cancelation of the race.
what a joke. this is not a serious industry
— STΞVΞ (@RacingDFS) January 21, 2024
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Since the fans missed a pivotal racing weekend, their opinions would undoubtedly differ. Racing in such conditions wouldn’t have been safe for the horse or the rider; thus, NYRA decided based on safety regulations.
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