ALBANY, NY –
Weather is extremely important for horse racing.
As hot temperatures
surround Saratoga track season, the focus will be on making sure the horses are
being well taken care of.
Last year at the
Saratoga track, weather went from nearly 100 degrees and sunny to temperatures
in the mid-60's with rain and wind. These weather conditions can influence how
horses are during their races.
Former jockey
turned training rider Daniel Luna says that changes in temperature,
precipitation, and even the wind can mean the difference between the winner's
circle and disaster.
Luna explains, "When
the weather's too hot, then you lose because the horses can pass away on the
track."
As for the rain, it
can have a sloppy effect on the track during races. Luna says some trainers
will have their horse's skip in the barn when it is raining too much and some
trainers will send horses to the track to job.
However it appears
most trainers all agree on keeping horses in the barn during thunderstorms.
Luna says, "When it comes to thunderstorms, most of the trainers keep the
horses in the barn."
Weather conditions
are important for jockeys and trainers to pay close attention to.
The good news is
that Friday is opening day at the Saratoga Race Course and the weather forecast
looks nice for the start of season. The horses in Saratoga are expected to be
in top training shape.
NEWS10 ABC
