Whether the Belmont Stakes goes ahead as planned on Saturday relies on decisions made in the course of the game, Recent York Governor Kathy Hochul said Thursday.
As air quality in Recent York and the tri-state area continued to be a difficulty for a 3rd straight day as a result of the fires in Canada, Hochul outlined the parameters that will must be met for the famous third stage of the Triple Crown to go ahead. place.
If the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches a price above 200 at any horse racing track within the state, in line with the governor’s office, “No racing or practice may be conducted at this track.”
If any track’s AQI is between 150 and 200, then “only horses that pass a further pre-race respiratory veterinary examination will be allowed to race,” in line with the rules.
“Now we have put in place reinforced measures to guard horses, riders and spectators,” Hochul said during a press conference.
![A handler wears a mask as he leads a horse through the stables ahead of the Belmont Stakes horse race Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Belmont Park.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/NYPICHPDPICT000012357450.jpg?w=1024)
The state has also enacted additional guidelines that say racing and practice may proceed while the AQI is below 150, but once it exceeds that threshold, the track’s chief veterinarian must begin notifying several sites of elevated values.
From there, “the chief veterinarian, stewards or presiding judges, riders, jockeys, drivers, riders and racecourse management must collectively determine whether to cancel races.”
Races across the state were suspended for the whole day Thursday, including practice and practice, until further notice.
![A guide walks a horse back to the stables as the sun is obscured by fog caused by wildfires in Canada ahead of the Belmont Stakes, June 8, 2023.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/NYPICHPDPICT000012358744.jpg?w=1024)
Recent York and the tri-state area have been hit by an unusual plume of smoke from wildfires in Canada, which have severely affected air quality within the region.
“As Recent Yorkers proceed to experience unhealthy air quality as a results of Canada’s wildfires, we must all work to be sure that animals – including these best horses – are protected,” Hochul said in an announcement. “The measures being implemented at tracks across Recent York State are effective steps to make sure the protection of everyone who participates in the game now and in the longer term.”
The city was covered in an orange haze for a part of Wednesday and compelled the postponement of the Yankees’ game against the Chicago White Sox, the Liberty game against the Minnesota Lynx on the Barclays Center and the Gotham FC game on the Red Bull Arena.
The Yankees and the White Sox will play a two-header game within the Bronx on Thursday.
![Governor Kathy Hochul](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/NYPICHPDPICT000012311021-2.jpg?w=1024)
Long Island officials expressed optimism during a press conference that the Belmont Stakes would go ahead as planned.
“The worst goes to be in the subsequent 48 hours,” Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive Director, said Wednesday. “We anticipate that, unless there’s a change in weather and wind conditions, it can subside by Friday evening.”
PETA has already called for the Belmont Stakes to be canceled as a result of air quality issues.
“If the air in Recent York is dangerous to humans, it can be even worse for horses running at top speed,” the animal rights organization said in an announcement.