NYRA Cancels Aqueduct Weekend Racing After Arctic Cold, Stakes Rescheduled

The New York Racing Association canceled live racing on Saturday and Sunday at Aqueduct Racetrack because of forecast arctic temperatures and extremely low wind chill values that threatened the New York metropolitan area throughout the weekend. NYRA said the decision was driven by safety concerns for horses, riders, and backstretch workers, and it moved quickly to preserve major stakes and the integrity of the winter meet.

NYRA outlined the immediate calendar changes for horsemen and bettors. “The $135,000 East View and $135,000 Damon Runyon, originally scheduled for Saturday, will be brought back Saturday, Feb. 14 with entries to be taken Sunday, Feb. 8.” Overnight races that had been on the canceled Saturday and Sunday cards “will be offered Feb. 19-20 as described in the updated Aqueduct winter condition book,” NYRA said. Aqueduct “will remain open for simulcast operations on Saturday and Sunday,” preserving wagering access for fans and out-of-town players.

The association said it is taking administrative steps to unclog the meet calendar. “NYRA is working with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), to schedule and apply for added race days from the New York State Gaming Commission,” NYRA advised. Officials also pledged that NYRA “will release a new schedule for stakes races impacted by weather cancellations and a modified condition book in the coming days,” giving trainers and owners a timetable to plan shipping and entries.

The cancellations add to a running freeze on live racing at Aqueduct. Thoroughbred Daily News reported that NYRA “has cancelled live racing Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at Aqueduct Racetrack,” and noted that “Racing has not been held at Aqueduct since Jan. 23. The 24th, 28th, and 29th were all originally carded but had to be cancelled due to the frigid temperatures.” That chronology underscores a winter meet repeatedly disrupted by extreme cold, pressuring purses, stabling logistics, and the rhythm of training regimens.

For bettors, the operational message is clear: live racing is off the surface but wagering channels remain open. NYRA flagged its official wagering platform and reminded players that broadcast coverage of the winter meet continues, with America’s Day at the Races presenting live coverage and analysis on the networks of FOX Sports. Simulcast signals and app-based wagering allow daily handle to continue, though live on-track activity and associated local economic activity will be paused.

Beyond scheduling headaches, the cancellations carry broader industry implications. Owners and trainers face condensed race dates and potential overcrowding in entry boxes when stakes and overnights reconvene, while backstretch workers and vendors endure lost on-track revenue. NYRA’s plan to apply for added race days will be critical to restoring opportunities for horses and preserving seasonal purses.

Expect an updated condition book and formal stakes schedule in the coming days. For horsemen, the Feb. 8 entry date for the rescheduled East View and Damon Runyon and the Feb. 14 running of those stakes are immediate markers; for bettors, simulcast and broadcast coverage will be the way to stay engaged until live cards resume.