Heat Causes Prairie Meadows to Cancel Racing

Jockeys refused to ride, citing conditions that were hazardous to horses.

The heat wave that has settled in over much of the Midwest resulted in the cancelation of racing at Prairie Meadows on Tuesday, July 19.

The races were canceled shortly before the first race after jockeys voted not to ride. The riders said the 97-degree temperature with a 111-degree heat index made conditions hazardous for horses.

“Even very well-conditioned racehorses, with the heat index this high, how can you feel comfortable asking them for everything they have to stay on their feet?” said jockey Ken Tohill.

Prairie Meadows will not make up the racing day, said director of racing Derron Heldt.

The Thoroughbred season runs through Aug. 13.