Heat wave results in number of track cancellations for Saturday

With a forecast calling for heat in the mid-to-high 90s along the Eastern Seabord, a number of racetracks have moved to cancel their Saturday cards, including Saratoga, where New York Racing Association officials called it a "sensible decision" not to run.

A seemingly growing list also includes Delaware Park, Maryland's Laurel Park, Pennsylvania's Parx Racing and New York's Finger Lakes. Kentucky's Ellis Park has canceled Friday, while Laurel Park also already axed its Sunday card with heat indexes possible in the range of 110-115 degres.

Many of those locations are under an Excessive Heat Watch from the National Weather Service.

“With the forecast calling for extreme temperatures and high humidity this weekend, we have decided to cancel our live programs both Saturday and Sunday,” said Maryland Jockey Club President and General Manager Sal Sinatra. “The health and safety of our horses and jockeys is are highest priority.”

Delaware Park canceled "acting upon the recommendation of the chief commission veterinarian of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission." The Saturday card will be made up Oct. 3.

Finger Lakes will be forced to reschedule, among other races, the New York Derby, which state-bred Not That Brady was using as a potential audition for the Aug. 24 Travers Stakes (G1).

Meanwhile, the show is expected to go on at Monmouth Park, which hosts the Haskell Invitational (G1) on Saturday. A number of safety protocols regarding the heat will be in effect, and there's a possibility races could be delayed until temperatures dip.

Ellis Park hasn't yet made a decision about its Saturday card.