Racing officials in New York announced Friday that live racing at Belmont Park will reopen ahead of the final leg of the Triple Crown Saturday’s race, due to a «significant improvement in air quality conditions».
The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) and the New York Racing Association (NYRA) issued a joint statement announcing the decision to resume racing and training after activity at the track was canceled Thursday due to to air quality concerns from residents Canadian wildfire smoke covering the northeast.
The main track is seen before the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 8, 2023 in Elmont, New York. All practice and races at the track were canceled today due to the Canadian bushfires. Air pollution alerts have been issued across the United States due to smoke from the wildfires that have been burning in Canada for weeks. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
PETA CALLS FOR BELMONT’S PERFORMANCES TO BE POSTPONED OVER AIR QUALITY CONCERNS OVER SMOKE FROM CANADIAN WILDFIRES
«Moving forward, NYRA will continue to actively monitor air quality conditions and forecasts to ensure the environment remains safe for race participants and fans this weekend,» officials said in a statement from press.
The announcement follows calls by PETA to suspend racing until it is deemed safe for horses.
Horses are seen outside their stable before the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 8, 2023 in Elmont, New York. All practice and races at the track were canceled today due to the Canadian bushfires. Air pollution alerts have been issued across the United States due to smoke from the wildfires that have been burning in Canada for weeks. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul said Thursday that the Belmont Stakes could be canceled if Saturday’s air quality index exceeds 200, the Environmental Protection Agency’s benchmark for air that is very unhealthy for everyone.
If the air quality measures between 150 and 200, only horses that pass an additional pre-race veterinary exam will be allowed to compete, Hochul added.
A horse is seen in its stable before the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 8, 2023 in Elmont, New York. All practice and races at the track were canceled today due to the Canadian bushfires. Air pollution alerts have been issued across the United States due to smoke from the wildfires that have been burning in Canada for weeks. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
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According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) Forecast for New York State as of Friday morning, air quality health advisories were still in effect for Long Island, with an AQI of 120.
Associated Press contributed to this report.