Heavy and steady rain July 23 forced the cancellation of five turf races on the 10-race opening day card at Saratoga Race Course.
Later in the day, and based on a forecast for continued rain, the decision was made to cancel turf racing July 24 as well. This includes the first steeplechase race of the season, which will be re-scheduled and run as the first race of a 10-race card July 30. Three other turf races July 24 will be moved to the main track.
Because the steeplechase race was scheduled to be run as the first race at the normal post time of 1 p.m., live racing July 24 will begin at 1:30 p.m.
In 2005, the New York Turf Writers Cup, the biggest steeplechase race of the season, was delayed two days because of like conditions.
Last year, nearly perfect weather at Saratoga accounted for all but six scheduled turf races to be run.
