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
Laurel Park picks and ponderings: April 1, 2023
We provide full-card picks and analysis for this afternoon’s races at Laurel Park.
Jaime Rodriguez, Jamie Ness take Laurel meet titles
Trainer Jamie Ness and jockey Jaime Rodriguez helped each other to meet titles during the Laurel Park stand that ended March 31.
Laurel Park picks and ponderings: March 31, 2023
We provide full-card picks and analysis for this afternoon’s races at Laurel Park.
Midlantic-breds among late Triple Crown nominees
Maryland-bred Coffeewithchris and Pennsylvania-bred Ninetyprcentmaddie are among a dozen late Triple Crown nominees.
King Leatherbury feted on 90th birthday
Hall of Fame trainer King T. Leatherbury, 90 years old today, was feted with a small ceremony at Laurel Park.
Laurel Park picks and ponderings: March 26, 2023
We provide full-card picks and analysis for this afternoon’s races at Laurel Park.