Looking ahead: Laurel Park weekend
Family day, handle rises, more
Frank Vespe
September 17, 2026
Here’s a quick look ahead (and a little bit back) at what’s up at Laurel Park this weekend.
Here’s what’s happening:
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BUSINESS MATTERS
Handle and field size were up on opening weekend versus the prior year, which officials no doubt hope is a harbinger of a strong fall meet.
Laurel averaged 7.5 horses per race this past weekend, an increase of 10.8% from the 6.8 horses that it averaged in its first weekend back in 2025. One important factor: Colonial Downs was still open on Laurel’s opening weekend last year, while the Virginia track had concluded its meet prior to Laurel’s opening this year.
Handle this past weekend averaged $1.93 million, an increase of 3.2% from $1.87 million a year ago.
LEADERS
The following trainers had multiple wins last week:
| Trainer | Starts | Wins | Added wins | PctPurseEarned |
| Ness Jamie | 9 | 3 | 0.85 | 29.32% |
| Stettinius Suzanne | 4 | 2 | 1.66 | 41.19% |
| Salzman John E Jr | 5 | 2 | 0.82 | 28.18% |
| Mcmahon Hugh I | 3 | 2 | 1.70 | 40.85% |
The following jockeys had multiple wins last week:
| Jockey | Starts | Wins | Added wins | PctPurseEarned |
| Ruiz Jorge | 8 | 4 | 2.66 | 32.31% |
| Rodriguez Jamie | 12 | 4 | 1.83 | 20.65% |
| Rocco J S Jr | 6 | 3 | 1.61 | 29.55% |
| Lyapustina Tais | 6 | 2 | 1.35 | 21.87% |
| Lopez Carlos Eduardo | 11 | 2 | 0.10 | 20.61% |
| Boyce Forest | 6 | 2 | 1.02 | 32.41% |
UPCOMING
The Friday co-features are a pair of $48,000 Maryland-restricted allowance contests, and the day closes with a $47,000 maiden special weight. In the latter, trainer Brittany Russell unveils Charlibu, a Charlatan filly who was a $400,000 purchase as a two-year-old in training. Sheldon Russell will ride Charlibu, who is 3-1 on the morning line. The favorite is the Michael Matz-trained Granite Hall, who finished second on debut at Colonial Downs…
Saturday’s feature is the $100,000 Weather Vane for three-year-old fillies sprinting on dirt…
Sunday’s card includes an allowance/optional claimer on the turf for two-year-olds…
FAMILY DAY
Laurel Park hosts a special Family Day on Sunday, September 20.
The two-part program begins with “The Morning Workout Show,” which runs from 8 to 10 am ET. Admission is free. The first 200 guests will receive a complimentary sausage biscuit. All visitors can enjoy fresh coffee and a pancake station for kids. The Trackside Grill Breakfast Bar will also be open, offering additional breakfast options.
Meet some of Laurel Park’s jockeys, collect their autographs, watch horses train on the racetrack, and learn about the daily life of a Thoroughbred racehorse. Kids of all ages can get up close to a Thoroughbred in the paddock, see John Deere tractors prepare the track, and tour the winner’s circle.
Family Day continues at 11 am ET with a full schedule of exciting events.
Root for our future jockeys as kids compete in special pony races. Live racing begins at 12 noon ET with a ten-race card. Throughout the day, kids can enjoy a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, and more.
Reserve your spot for Family Day at Laurel Park here.
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