Del Mar preemptively cancels racing for Nov. 21

Published Nov. 15, 2019 2:47 p.m. ET

DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — Del Mar is preemptively canceling racing for Nov. 21 because of projected rain from the season’s first storm in Southern California.

Track officials said Friday the cancellation is due to “an abundance of caution” because rain forecast from Tuesday through Thursday likely will result in a muddy main track and a soft turf course.

Tom Robbins, executive vice president for racing, says the move is unusual for Del Mar but “equine and rider safety is always our primary concern.” Robbins said a decision will be made next week whether to have training on Nov. 20 and 21. He said racing will be held on Nov. 22, weather-permitting, at the seaside track north of San Diego.

Del Mar officials consulted with the Thoroughbred Owners of California and the California Horse Racing Board about the cancellation and all agreed on it.

Last weekend, two horses sustained injuries during races at Del Mar and were euthanized. The deaths were the first in races at the track since the 2018 fall meet, when there was one fatality.

Del Mar was the safest major track in the U.S. last year, according to the Jockey Club Equine Injury Database.