After multiple tracks in the region canceled Saturday cards out of concerns for excessive heat, Monmouth Park went ahead with its Haskell Day card, but ended up having to make significant changes including the cancellation of six races and the delay of the stakes post times to early evening.
The announcement was made following the 2ND race that the remaining non-stakes races would be called off, and racing would be halted for the next four hours.
The action is scheduled to resume at 6 p.m. (EDT) with the first scheduled stakes, the Oceanport (G3), the 5TH race. Next comes the Molly Pitcher (G3), the 8TH, at 6:25 p.m., followed by the Wolf Hill, the 9TH, at 6:53 p.m.; the Monmouth Cup (G3), the 10TH, at 7:15 p.m.; the Matchmaker (G3), the 11TH, at 7:40; and finally the Haskell Invitational (G1), the 12TH and a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), at 8:05 p.m.
As a result of the non-stakes cancellations, the wagering menu has also changed. Note that a Pick 5 has been added to embrace the 8TH through 12TH:
Race 5: CANCEL Pick 3 & Daily Double
Race 8: ADD Pick 5, CANCEL Pick 6
Race 10: CANCEL Pick 5
Race 11: CANCEL Pick 3, Pick 4
Race 12: CANCEL Pick 3 & Daily Double
There was an early indication that the card was imperiled when the 1ST race went off 38 minutes later than the noon post time. Reportedly Gov. Phil Murphy was among those weighing in on whether the track should cancel.
Delay in R1 @MonmouthPark was due to meetings with officials, including the Governor, to get the Ok to race. Track official says they will run a few races and then decide on how to handle the rest of the card. @BloodHorse @BH_CCrosby
— Bob Ehalt (@BobEhalt) July 20, 2019
Senior track official says governor’s officer has spoken with @monmouthpark management about whether track should race today. Plan is to run a few races and reevaluate.
— Jim Dunleavy (@DRFDunleavy) July 20, 2019
The Haskell had been slated for live coverage on NBC at its original post time. According to Breeders’ Cup, the 5-6 p.m. (EDT) NBC broadcast will instead serve as a race preview.
