The National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) has reported that Rideau Carleton Raceway officials closed the Ottawa area oval for training on Tuesday and cancelled Wednesday's schoolers due to poor air quality.

Environment Canada issued a Special Air Quality Statement for the region indicating high levels of air pollution have developed due to smoke from forest fires. Smoke plumes from forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario have resulted in deteriorated air quality. Air quality may improve on Thursday.

With the Air Quality Health Index calculated at 11, very high risk, the NCRHHA advised participants in the Ottawa Valley to use extreme caution when exercising horses.

The Air Quality Health Index is forecast to improve to four for Thursday. The NCRHHA stated that if this forecast is accurate, harness racing will proceed as scheduled on Thursday afternoon, with post time set for 4 p.m.

(With files from NCRHHA and Environment Canada)