NEW YORK -- Racing at Belmont Park and The Meadowlands has been cancelled this weekend, as the metropolitan area continues to reel from the effects of Tuesday's terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C.

Belmont had planned to re-open on Saturday after canceling three consecutive cards. But, shortly after 11 a.m., New York Racing Association officials announced they were canceling both Saturday and Sunday programs. Saturday's card featured three graded stakes - the Ruffian, Belmont Breeders' Cup Handicap and Jerome - while Sunday's card featured the Grade 1 Futurity and Grade 1 Matron.

NYRA plans to resume racing on Wednesday and has no plans to make up the five lost days. Nor will the Ruffian, Belmont Breeders' Cup, Futurity and Matron be rescheduled. NYRA did not want the races to conflict with Breeders' Cup prep races in the same divisions on Oct. 6.

The Jerome will be run Saturday, Sept. 22.

"We thought it was best for the community, our patrons, the horsemen, and our employees to cancel racing this weekend," said NYRA president and COO Terry Meyocks.

Saturday at Belmont was a voucher redemption giveaway. Patrons in possession of a voucher may redeem them on either Sept. 22 or 29.

The Meadowlands was expected to resume racing Saturday night after canceling four consecutive cards. But New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority officials canceled that card as well as simulcasting operations for Saturday and Sunday. The Meadowlands hoped to resume operations on Tuesday.