Turfway Park has canceled its Saturday and Sunday cards, with this entire week of racing now lost after a major winter storm featuring ice and snow early in the week in Kentucky was followed by days of below-freezing temperatures that did not allow for much recovery, plus more snow overnight on Friday.
“While the track crew worked tirelessly to accommodate this weekend’s schedule, conditions were not ideal for racing to proceed,” a release from track officials stated Saturday morning.
Turfway did not race Wednesday – that card was shifted to Sunday, normally a dark day – and canceled the Thursday and Friday programs, but was hopeful of resuming racing this weekend before Saturday morning’s announcement. A $180,036 late pick five carryover that came into this week will now feature on Wednesday’s planned card.
The Saturday night feature, the $125,000 Likely Exchange Stakes for fillies and mares, will shift to Friday, Jan. 24, Turfway said in a text to horsemen. Nominations will re-close on Tuesday, and horses must be re-nominated.
Beginning on Wednesday, Turfway will expand to 10-race programs from its typical nine in order to make up some of the races lost to weather.
“Track officials remain committed to providing a safe and competitive environment for all participants and are grateful for the patience and understanding of racing connections and fans,” the track’s release stated.
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