Midlantic news briefs: Laurel expels Gonzalez
The Biz
December 24, 2025
As we arrive at the holiday season, racing news doesn’t stop. Herewith a few newsbriefs, including an expulsion, a special permit, and a celebration, along with the upcoming stakes schedule.
Here’s what’s happening.
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SANTA’S SPECIAL REINDEER PERMIT
According to Country Zest and Style Magazine, Virginia state veterinarians have coordinated entry permits for Santa’s nine reindeer so that they may fly through the Commonwealth on Christmas Eve.
“Magical animals need magical veterinary paperwork,” the magazine explained.
Looks like clear sailing for Santa, at least in Virginia, this 24th of December.
CLAUDIO GONZALEZ EXPELLED FROM LAUREL
Trainer Claudio Gonzalez got coal in his stocking.
Gonzalez, Maryland’s leading trainer for six consecutive years, has been ruled off the grounds at Laurel Park by the Maryland Jockey Club after one of his former trainees allegedly was found in a kill pen.
He “violated the rules of The Maryland Jockey Club,” according to a TMJC statement, which did not elaborate further.
The TMJC ruling is a track decision and not a ruling of the state stewards and thus need not be observed by other racetracks. Gonzalez has not started a horse since Dec. 14.
Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue chief Bev Strauss told The Paulick Report that the horse in jeopardy had been rescued, along with four other former Gonzalez runners who had been in “questionable” circumstances.
Gonzalez denied wrongdoing. “I have the bill of sale for myself, and I have the bill of sale for Laurel Park,” he said. “It’s not like I sent them. I did nothing wrong.”
DELAWARE PARK CELEBRATES SLOTS
Delaware Park has been celebrating the 30th anniversary of slot machine gaming in the First State.
Slots have, among other things, allowed Thoroughbred racing to thrive in Delaware. The track actually was shuttered for several years in the 1980s as it struggled against fierce competition. The Delaware Handicap, its signature race, took place at Saratoga from 1983-1986.
Slot machine gaming kicked off in Delaware on Dec. 29, 1995. This year, in addition to its typical features of the Delaware Handicap (G3) and Delaware Oaks (G3), the track for the first time ran the Delaware Derby. The $200,000 contest for three-year-olds went to Admiral Dennis and co-headlined a day that generated a record handle of nearly $6.4 million.
Learn more about upcoming events at the Delaware Park website.
UPCOMING STAKES SCHEDULE
December 27
| Track | Stakes Name | Purse | Division | Distance |
| Laurel Park | Gin Talking S. | $100,000 | 2yo fillies | 7 furlongs |
| Laurel Park | Heft S. | $100,000 | 2yo | 7 furlongs |
December 30
| Track | Stakes Name | Purse | Grade/Restriction | Division | Distance |
| Parx Racing | Miss Behaviour | $75,000 | PA-bred and PA-sired | 2yo fillies | 6 furlongs |
| Parx Racing | Parx Future Stars | $75,000 | 2yo | 7 furlongs | |
| Parx Racing | Parx Future Stars Fillies | $75,000 | 2yo fillies | 7 furlongs | |
| Parx Racing | Wait for It | $75,000 | PA-bred and PA-sired | 2yo | 6 furlongs |
December 31
| Track | Stakes Name | Purse | Division | Distance |
| Parx Racing | Blitzen Handicap | $75,000 | 3yo and up | 7 furlongs |
| Parx Racing | Kris Kringle Handicap | $75,000 | 3yo and up | 1 1/16 miles |
| Parx Racing | Mrs. Claus Handicap | $75,000 | F & M 3 and up | 7 furlongs |
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