Post Time Changed Based On Heat Measurement System

The Maryland Jockey Club has changed first post time to 1:50 p.m. from 12:40 p.m. for the Saturday, July 23, program at Laurel Park based on a measurement it uses to monitor extreme heat.

The forecast in the area for Sunday, July 24, led the MJC to announce July 21 that the program has been canceled and rescheduled for Thursday, July 28.

MJC Acting President Mike Rogers explained the company uses a protocol called the WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measurement, which takes into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover to determine potential heat stress. It is different than the heat index, which takes into consideration temperature and humidity including for shady areas.