Smoke From Wildfires Halts Tuesday Training

Racing action at Century Downs
Published: May 16, 2023 08:35 pm EDT

With smoke from the Western Canada wildfires causing poor air quality and reduced visibility across Alberta, Tuesday's training was cancelled at Century Downs in Calgary.

Environment Canada issued special air quality statements across the province as strong winds carried the smoke from the fires in northern Alberta across Edmonton and Calgary. Air quality conditions are expected to improve on Wednesday.

"We are working closely with the commission vet and monitoring the air quality index to ensure the safety of the horses and everyone involved," Josh Murphy, Assistant Racing Manager at Century Downs and Standardbred Canada Director, told Trot Insider. "Looking at the air quality index, it is forecasted to be low risk by tomorrow morning and we are hopeful to resume training as normal tomorrow."

According to Alberta Wildfire, there are currently 89 active wildfires in Alberta. A provincial state of emergency was declared on May 6.

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