Sunday's eight-race card at Aqueduct was abandoned due to 'unacceptable noise levels' from an event being held at the neighboring Resorts World Casino, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced via press release.
The 'March Madness Auto and Bike Show' reportedly generated noise levels which would potentially create unsafe racing conditions, and despite repeated attempts from NYRA to rectify the problem, the casino was unable to make the necessary adjustments to allow racing to continue. There was no advance notice that the event could become an issue. As a result, Sunday's card was cancelled in its entirety.
“Resorts World scheduled an event in a parking lot immediately adjacent to the top of the stretch without providing NYRA with advance notice or an opportunity to discuss its potential impact on our racing operations,” said Andrew Offerman, NYRA's senior vice president of racing and operations.
“We were then faced with wildly unpredictable sound levels and other concerns causing potentially unsafe circumstances for horses and riders. We were left with no choice but to cancel racing due to these concerns. NYRA will work with NYTHA and the NYSGC to determine appropriate next steps and how we can make up these lost racing opportunities for our participants.”
The racetrack will remain open for simulcasting and live racing will resume Thursday at 1:10 p.m.
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