Belmont cancels closing day program

Racing at Belmont Park was canceled on Sunday, which would have been the

final day of the Spring/Summer Meet, due to electrical issues caused by

Saturday's transformer fire in the basement.

According to a statement released by the track, sufficient

electricity had not been restored to provide air conditioning to key areas by

Sunday, in

particular the jockeys' room, which is located in the track basement and has no

windows to provide ventilation. Given that factor and other intermittent

electrical issues, the decision was made to cancel the live program.

Saturday's fire forced a temporary evacuation, but the track re-opened and conducted

its entire 10-race card. Fan access was restricted to the clubhouse area, since

the fire was under the grandstand.

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) reported the transformer replacement

and other repair work will be done when racing shifts to Saratoga for its 36-day

meet, which commences on Wednesday.

Belmont Park was open for simulcasting on Sunday.