Laurel Park live racing on hiatus “until further notice”

Racing at Laurel Park without fans. Photo by Allison Janezic.
In the end all the changes didn’t matter.
The decision to race without owners, as well as fans; a protocol requiring people entering Laurel Park to have their temperature taken; a ban on shippers: none of it mattered.
Laurel Park will cease racing “until further notice,” the track announced this morning via text message, a decision taken “because of orders from Maryland Governor Hogan.”
The track had raced without fans last weekend, creating a somewhat odd spectacle, especially on Saturday when the track hosted four stakes races. On Sunday, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued an order closing all racetracks, off-track wagering facilities, and casinos to the “general public.”
That set off a scramble, which saw Laurel introduce new and tightened restrictions seemingly every day to limit attendance at the races to only”essential racing personnel.”
Heading into the weekend, it seemed the changes would be sufficient. Laurel has already drawn for the entire weekend, and two races from Laurel were set to be part of Friday’s now-canceled Stronach 5.
Now Laurel Park — like Parx Racing and Penn National in Pennsylvania, and Aqueduct in New York, among others — is shut down by the coronavirus.
LATEST MARYLAND NEWS
So proud of her: Can the Queen’s winding road to stakes winner
On a Pimlico weekend celebrating high-end horses, Can the Queen, a modest Maryland-bred who almost didn’t get to the races, scored one for the home team.
Early Voting, Epicenter likely to bypass Belmont
Early Voting is a no on the Belmont, and Epicenter is a “probably not.” But a couple of other Preakness runners may give it a shot.
Perfect trip gives Early Voting a Preakness score
Early Voting skipped the Derby to run in the Preakness — wise move, it turns out, as he surged to victory in the 147th edition.
Carotari earns popular win in McKay Turf Sprint
In his first start of 2022, Carotari picked up where he left off in 2021, posting a popular win as the favorite in the Jim McKay Turf Sprint at PImlico.
For Rombauer’s people, the changing of the colors awaits
Rombauer’s surprise victory put the Fradkin’s colors on the cupola weathervane. It’ll be a sad moment for them this afternoon when they change.
Set Piece scores in G2 Dinner Party
Set Piece earned the second graded stakes win of his career in Saturday’s Grade 2 Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico.