Report: Parx won't offer turf racing until at least August

Parx will not offer turf racing until at least August because of potentially unsafe conditions, Daily Racing Form reported.

Parx suspended its turf races last August after horsemen raised concerns about the safety of the course.

Officials with the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority visited Parx the next week with turf surface experts and conducted a track evaluation, collected soil samples and performed moisture and consistency tests.

They reported that all divots had been filled with growing medium. But there was a noticeable lack of moisture in the track surface. Track management explained the irrigation system was down for maintenance.

A Parx spokesperson said the winter was "particularly challenging," according to the DRF report, and that the track is unlikely to hold races on turf until after a break that runs from July 24 to Aug. 18.

“We are working with all of the stakeholders involved to ensure that when turf racing does return to Parx, it is done so over a surface that is safe, fair, and satisfactory to all participants,” the spokesman said in a statement