Live racing returns to Laurel Park Friday * The Racing Biz

Live racing returns to Laurel Park Friday

$56,000 allowance tops opening card

The Biz
September 10, 2026

Live racing returns to Laurel Park on Friday, September 11, marking the opening day of the 2026 Fall Meet.

The 49-day meet runs Friday through Sunday, concluding on December 27. Gates open at 11 am ET, with first post at 12 pm ET.

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Zero Blitz looks like the one to beat in Friday’s Laurel Park feature, a $56,000 third-level allowance for older runners going a mile on the dirt. The four-year-old has won two of three this year, including a sharp 1 ½-length score in a $62,500 Claiming Crown preview day handicap at Colonial Downs Aug. 22. He’s also perfect in six starts at Laurel.

Worcester, the 7-2 second choice, is the main threat after runner-up finishes in his last two against similar. Derbyness, Shaft’s Bullet, Adero and improving three-year-old Power Grid add depth to a competitive field.

Laurel Park will close on Friday, December 25, Christmas Day, but will race on Thursday, November 26. The first post time for the special Thanksgiving Day program is 11:25 am ET.

Laurel Park will host a special First Responders Day on Saturday, September 12, to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a meaningful afternoon of remembrance, gratitude, and community. Together, we will honor the lives lost, recognize the courage and sacrifice of first responders, and thank the local heroes who continue to serve our communities every day.

Guests will receive a commemorative pin while supplies last. A special tribute to first responders will be held in the winner’s circle at approximately 2 pm ET.

Several Laurel Park employees were directly affected by the events of September 11, 2001, including Jeffrey Kreimer, the Director of Health and Safety for the Maryland Jockey Club, who said, “I honor those who “gave all” to protect our freedom and way of life and to keep this from occurring again.“

FALL EVENTS CALENDAR

Featured events during the fall meet include:

Family Day (Sunday, September 20)

Autumn Handicapping Challenge (Saturday, September 26)

Craft Beer Festival (Saturday, September 26)

Oyster Fest (Saturday, October 3)

Cigars and Bourbon On The Rail (Saturday, October 17)

Jim McKay Maryland Million (Saturday, October 24; special first post time is 11:15 am ET).

Maryland Million Handicapping Challenge (Saturday, October 24)

Breeders’ Cup Watch Party (Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31)

Veterans Day at Laurel Park (Saturday, November 7)

Hat Giveaway (Saturday, November 21)