Del Mar, a premier horse racing venue in California, has preemptively cancelled its Sunday races due to the impending threat of a hurricane.
Though the decision may seem abrupt, it was deemed a necessary precaution, to protect the racing horses, jockeys, and the larger racing community.
This unfortunate event mirrors similar incidents of the past, whereby adverse weather conditions have led to significant changes in the racing schedule.
As Joe Harper, Del Mar’s CEO and President clarified, “We have been carefully monitoring the development of this storm.
Our foremost consideration is the safety of our horses, horsemen and fans.”
While Del Mar is a highly popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts, its proximity to the coast often makes it susceptible to challenging weather conditions.
More than the financial implications, the management is more concerned about the welfare of animals and people involved in the sporting events.
CEO Harper further expressed regret, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to fans, especially those who travelled cross-country for the event.
“We appreciate everyone’s understanding under these trying circumstances,” he said.
Del Mar’s decision to cancel its Sunday race day ahead of bad weather exemplifies the venue’s storied history of cautious behavior.
In 2017, when extreme heat gripped California, Del Mar notably switched several races from the turf course to the main track to protect the animals and jockeys from potential injuries.
Del Mar, the crown jewel on the California horse racing circuit, often faces unique challenges owning to its geographical location.
Located approximately twenty miles north of San Diego, it enjoys milder temperatures than inland tracks, but occasional extreme weather conditions do threaten to disrupt the usual racing schedule.
Del Mar is currently midway through its 31-day Summer Stakes carnival featuring six Group 1 races, and running through until September 10, 2023.
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