Oceanport, N.J. – Monmouth Park Racetrack canceled the last two races on Friday due to severe weather that blew through the area late in the afternoon.

“Obviously, the safety of our riders and horses is paramount,” said Bob Kulina, president of Darby Development LLC, operators of the racetrack.“We’ll bring back the two canceled races on Monday’s card.”

Heavy rains and lightning moved into the Oceanport area around 3:30 p.m.

Live racing continues at Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 2 – gates open 11:30 a.m., first post 12:50 p.m.Monmouth will host live cards on Saturday, Sunday and a holiday card on Monday, July 4.