Oaklawn Park will begin its race week a day later.
The Hot Springs, Ark., track announced it has canceled its Thursday, Feb. 3, live racing program because of weather, but will remain open for simulcast racing and gaming.
After nice weather the weekend of Jan. 29-30, nearly three inches of rain fell between the evening o f Jan. 31 and morning of Feb. 1. In addition, the temperature dropped about 50 degrees, officials said.
Temperatures at or above freezing aren’t expected until Feb. 4.
“Between the rain and freezing temperatures, it is just impossible for our track maintenance crew to prepare the track for racing Thursday,” assistant general manger of racing David Longinotti said. “We met with horsemen representatives and the stewards, and everyone was in agreement that this was the right thing to do.
“We hope to be able to make a call tomorrow about Friday, and will be working diligently to have the track ready at least for Saturday and Sunday.”
The Feb. 5 program will feature the $100,000 Essex Handicap for older horses at 1 1/16 miles.
