Searing Summer Heat Forces Playfair Cutback

Fri., Aug. 5, 1994

Sundays and Labor Day have been dropped from the summer horse racing schedule at Playfair Race Course.

The agreement to eliminate five racing days was reached Thursday by track management and horsemen, said Playfair promotions director Hugh Mellon.

“The record heat has had an adverse affect on our horses,” Mellon said.

Soaring afternoon temperatures contributed to short Sunday fields. A decline from last year’s Playfair wagering handle had no bearing on the decision, Mellon said.

Eliminated are Sunday dates from this week until Aug. 28. The changes are subject of approval by the Washington Horse Racing Commission.

Playfair general manager Dan Hillyard said the cancellations will enable the track to offer fuller fields and more competitive racing on the three nightly programs each week.

Wednesday night’s card generated a $339,000 wagering pool in 10 races, the first night of statewide satellite wagering at the Spokane track. Playfair’s program will be carried statewide on Wednesday evenings through the remainder of the year.

Playfair will also operate on Sunday, Sept. 4, and continue its Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night programs through the month.

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Searing Summer Heat Forces Playfair Cutback

Jesse Tinsley

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