With frigid temperatures forecast, Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort has canceled live racing for Jan. 17, opening night of the 2009 Thoroughbred racing season at the West Virginia facility.
Officials said all other activities, such as casino gambling and full-card simulcasts, will continue as scheduled. Live racing is scheduled to resume Jan. 18.
Mountaineer will race four nights a week—Saturdays through Tuesdays—in January and February, with first post time set for 7 p.m. EST. In March, racing goes to five nights a week with Fridays added.
The meet runs through Dec. 29. The lone afternoon program—2 p.m. Aug. 1—features the West Virginia Derby, a grade II event this year.