Turf racing at Aqueduct Racetrack has been pushed back to mid-April following a winter impacted by severe weather conditions in the New York area. Originally scheduled to begin in early April, the start of the 2026 turf season will now commence on April 16, according to the New York Racing Association (NYRA).

The delay comes after a combination of heavy snowfall in January and February, along with continued cold overnight temperatures throughout March, prevented the turf course from being properly prepared for racing.

As a result of the adjustment, races that were originally scheduled for the turf earlier in the meet have been moved accordingly. The Listed $150,000 Plenty of Grace Stakes, which was set to serve as the first turf stakes race of the season, will now be run on April 17.

Despite the delay, the revised start date still places the beginning of turf racing at Aqueduct earlier than in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, reflecting ongoing efforts to align the racing calendar with seasonal conditions.

Aqueduct’s spring meet itself will proceed as scheduled, beginning in early April and continuing through late April with racing conducted on a Thursday through Sunday basis. The meet will feature a limited number of race days, highlighted by major events such as the Grade 2 Wood Memorial.

Turf racing plays a significant role in the New York circuit, with Aqueduct housing both an inner and main turf course as part of its multi-surface layout.The timing of its seasonal debut is dependent on weather conditions, particularly in early spring when ground conditions can remain inconsistent.

The delayed start reflects the broader impact that winter weather can have on racing operations in the Northeast, where track maintenance and safety considerations are closely tied to temperature and surface conditions. Turf racing will now begin later in the meet, once racing officials deem it suitable for competition.