The inevitable became official on Saturday. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) canceled what remained of the winter meet as well as the entire spring meet at Aqueduct.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered a temporary hospital to be built at the racetrack located in South Queens to help deal with the expected patient overflow because of the coronavirus.
NYRA CEO and President David O’Rourke said, “Now that Governor Cuomo has secured federal approval, Aqueduct will instead serve as a safe haven for those recovering from the virus.”
Belmont Park is scheduled to open for live racing on April 24. The Belmont Stakes is still set for June 6. But with the Kentucky Derby moved to September, the 1 ¹/₂-mile “Test of the Champion” may be moved as well.