Gulfstream Park cancels Friday racing for storm recovery

Gulfstream Park, which earlier canceled live racing Thursday because of severe weather in south Florida, canceled racing for Friday too.

The track said in a news release it took the step to allow horsemen, backstretch workers, employees and the public to recover from an unprecedented storm that swept through South Florida Wednesday afternoon and evening.

The South Florida Sentinel reported that more than 20 inches of rain fell in six hours in the area Wednesday. Schools in the area were closed, and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport was closed until at least noon Thursday.

The National Weather Service said heavy rain was possible Thursday evening, and the area was under a flood watch until 8 p.m. EDT Thursday.

Thunderstorms could remain in the area through Friday, according to the NWS.

Gulfstream Park holds live racing Thursdays through Sundays.

In its recently concluded championship meet, the leading trainer was Saffie Joseph Jr., with 47 wins. Todd Pletcher was second, with 41 wins.

Joseph trains Lord Miles, who earned a slot in the Kentucky Derby with his win in the Wood Memorial (G2) on Saturday. He returned to Gulfstream after the race, and Joseph told the track's media team that he expected the colt to begin preparations for the Derby by going under tack Thursday.