Delaware Park Postpones Grade 3 Delaware Oaks Due to Extreme Heat Forecast
(Delaware Park, July 8, 2023) In response to an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service, Delaware Park has announced the cancelation of its live racing card on Saturday. The highly anticipated Grade 3, $300,000 Delaware Oaks, originally scheduled for today, will now be run in its entirety on Monday.
The track’s Sunday card, which features four stakes races including the Grade 2, $500,000 Delaware Handicap and the Grade 3, $250,000 Robert G. Dick Memorial, will proceed as planned, according to a statement released on the Delaware Park Twitter account.
The National Weather Service has forecast a high near 95°F for Saturday, with possible heat indices reaching as high as 107°F. Winds are expected to be around 5-10 mph, with scattered showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Temperatures on Sunday and Monday are predicted to be slightly lower, with highs near 92°F and maximum heat indices of 96°F and 98°F, respectively.
“The safety and well-being of our equine athletes, jockeys, and all participants is our top priority,” said a spokesperson for Delaware Park. “We made the decision to postpone the Delaware Oaks to Monday in order to avoid the extreme heat conditions expected on Saturday.”
Entries and results for the rescheduled Delaware Oaks and the rest of the Delaware Park race card can be found on the track’s website.
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