Horsepeople are advised that qualifying races for Friday, February 8 at The Raceway at the Western Fair District have been cancelled due to the heavy snowfall that is being forecasted for overnight Thursday in London, Ont.

Live racing is scheduled for Friday night with first post at 7:05 p.m. and the next qualifying session at WFD will be held on Friday, February 15.

Beginning next Tuesday afternoon, February 12, wagering customers will notice a new wrinkle, as a ninth starter will now be added to the final race each day.

Eight-horse fields are the standard at WFD, but approval has been granted to use an additional starter on the final race in an effort to continue to grow handle.

“We think it will give both the late Pick-4 and the Super Hi-5 a boost,” said the track's racing and gaming manager Ian Fleming. “The Super Hi-5 has been popular, especially when we’ve had a carryover situation. Full fields are important and the extra horse will mean additional combinations.”

The Super Hi-5 is a new wager that was introduced last fall. It involves correctly selecting the first five finishers in the race in order. The Raceway offers two Pick-4s each day and guarantees the pools at $5,000 on afternoon programs each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

(With files from WFD)