Without racing – and with no clear date of return – Maryland horsemen are feeling their way forward while keeping safety top of mind.
After days of uncertainty the Maryland Jockey Club said it would cease racing at Laurel Park indefinitely because of the coronavirus emergency.
Racing at Laurel Park will take on the flavor of an intrasquad scrimmage, as only horses stabled there or at Pimlico will be permitted on the grounds.
Legislation to redo Pimlico and Laurel Park passed both houses of the Md. Legislature Wednesday and now heads to the Governor.
After a couple of days of confusion following Gov. Hogan’s emergency order Sunday, Laurel Park will race this weekend with additional restrictions.
Legislation that would allow for both Pimlico and Laurel Park to be razed and rebuilt easily passed the Maryland House on Sunday.
For the second straight Sunday, apprentice rider Charlie Marquez posted a hat trick, winning three races at Laurel Park.
Miracle Wood winner Lebda cruised home to win the Private Terms Stakes Saturday at Laurel, giving trainer Claudio Gonzalez two stakes wins on the day.
In her first start in three months, Arrifana prevailed in an absolute thriller in the Nellie Morse Stakes at Laurel Park.
Dominant Wide Country Stakes winner Naughty Thoughts will look to double up in Saturday’s Beyond the Wire Stakes at Laurel Park.