For the first time since Aqueduct’s inner track opened last week for the long winter meet, but certainly not the last, racing has been cancelled today at the Big A in advance of a severe winter storm. The track will not be open for simulcasting.

Although the storm is expected to ease by this afternoon, the forecast for snow, rain and freezing rain was predicted for early this morning, when horses must ship to Aqueduct to be in the detention barn five hours before they race.

Also, NYRA officials are concerned with preserving the condition of the inner track, which in the past has had problems when it snows, freezes and then thaws.