Delaware Park will cancel its July 6 card, featuring the 73rd running of the Delaware Oaks, and move it in its entirety to Monday, July 8. The track announced the change in a text message to horsemen at just after 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

The Delaware Oaks is supported by three additional stakes: the Christiana and the Kent, both on the turf, and the six-furlong Alapocas Run Stakes on the main track.

The decision to cancel was based on “the excessive heat forecast by the National Weather Service,” the message said. It was made “on advise [sic] of the [Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission] State Veterinarians and Stewards.”

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the Wilmington, DE area throughout Saturday, lasting until 8:00 p.m. While temperatures are expected to top out in the mid-90s, the heat index is predicted to reach as much as 108.

Sunday is expected to be slightly cooler, and at this time, the day’s Delaware Handicap card is slated to go forward as planned. Post time is 12:30 p.m.

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