Expecting a Hot Day for the Belmont Stakes: but 90 degree temperatures do not concern Dutrow
Forecasts are for temperatures possibly reaching 90 degrees tomorrow at Belmont Park in what would be the hottest day so far this year. John Lee, Director of Media Relations for the NYRA says that the track is prepared. Heat definitely affects race horses and could be a factor, but Big Brown Trainer Richard Dutrow said yesterday that heat will not be a factor for his horse.
New York Newsday - Ed McNamara: It's gonna be hot one at Belmont Stakes day
....Like humans, horses perspire in sultry weather, and their sweat often looks like shaving cream on their necks and between their legs. Although sweating is normal, handicappers avoid betting horses dripping with perspiration, which saps their energy and makes them perform below par. A few days after the Preakness, trainer Rick Dutrow said Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown is a fresh horse because he's raced only five times in his career and hasn't run or trained in extreme heat this year. "I can't imagine [heat] being a factor; none whatsoever," Dutrow said yesterday. "Not for our horse. I don't know about the other horses."more
Reuters - Steve Ginsburg: Heat no problem for Big Brown, says trainer
Big Brown's quest to become the first Triple Crown winner in three decades will not be affected by the stifling heat predicted for Saturday's Belmont Stakes, the colt's trainer said Thursday. Temperatures for the highly anticipated $1 million race were expected to top the 90-degree (32 Celsius) mark. "I can't imagine (the heat) being a factor. None whatsoever," trainer Richard Dutrow, Jr. told reporters. "Not for our horse. I don't know about the other horses.".....more
