First race at Gulfstream Park declared no contest; last race canceled

First race at Gulfstream Park declared no contest; last

race canceled

The Gulfstream Park 2005 racing season got off to a rough start on Monday

when the stewards declared the 1ST race a no contest after a starting gate

tractor located near the finish line could not be moved in a timely fashion.

Most of the horses were pulled up at the top of the stretch after outriders came

on to the track to warn of the danger.

A full field of 12 started in the nine-furlong event, which required one full

circuit of the new 1 1/8-mile main track. There were no injuries in the incident

and all monies bet on the race were refunded.

In addition, track officials canceled the 10TH and final race on the card

over concerns about whether there would be enough daylight. The 6 1/2-furlong

maiden claiming event was scheduled as the last leg of the Pick 6, Pick 4, Pick

3 and late Daily Double.