Belmont pauses live racing due to hazardous air quality

Two days before hosting the final leg of the Triple Crown, Belmont Park canceled live racing Thursday due to the poor air quality around Elmont, N.Y.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has also forced postponements as far away as Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The NFL's New York Giants also canceled practice on Thursday in East Rutherford, N.J.

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The New York Racing Association also canceled morning training at both Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

"Based on current forecast models and consultation with our external weather services, we remain optimistic that we will see an improvement in air quality on Friday," NYRA President & CEO David O'Rourke said in a statement.

The Belmont Stakes is scheduled for Saturday at 7:05 p.m. ET. Kentucky Derby winner Mage is not running, but Preakness Stakes winner National Treasure is part of the nine-horse field for the 1 1/2-mile race.