Following a temporary closure due to poor air quality from Canadian wildfires, live racing at Belmont Park is back on. The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) and the New York Racing Association (NYRA) made the joint announcement Friday, clearing the way for the final leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday. They cited "substantial enhancements in air quality conditions" as the reason for the reopening.

This decision reverses the cancellation of training and racing activities on Thursday, which was prompted by the heavy smoke that blanketed the northeastern U.S. The image above shows the main track at Belmont Park just before the 155th Belmont Stakes on June 8, 2023, the day activities were suspended due to the wildfires. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

While racing officials gave the green light, animal rights organization PETA continues to advocate for the postponement of Saturday's race. Despite the improved air quality, PETA's Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo expressed concerns about the lingering effects of particulate matter in the horses' lungs, urging the cancellation of Friday's races and the postponement of the Belmont Stakes. She criticized the prioritization of the event over the animals' well-being.

Pictured above: Horses outside their barn at Belmont Park on June 8, 2023, the same day training and racing were canceled due to the Canadian wildfires. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

The NYRA and NYSGC stated they will continue to monitor air quality conditions and forecasts to ensure a safe environment for all participants and attendees throughout the weekend.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul previously stated that the Belmont Stakes would be canceled if the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed 200 on Saturday. An AQI between 150 and 200 would require horses to undergo extra veterinary checks before being allowed to race. As of Friday morning, air quality health advisories remained in effect for Long Island, with an AQI of 120.

A horse in its stall at Belmont Park on June 8, 2023, following the cancellation of activities due to the wildfires. (Al Bello/Getty Images)