A decade after stepping away from the game – and almost a year after his return – Steve “Cowboy” Hamilton has reestablished himself as among Maryland’s best riders.
Maryland racing interests are “all in” on getting a Breeders’ Cup to Laurel Park, state Racing Commission chair Michael Algeo said this week.
Laurel Park will host 21 stakes worth $1.6 million during its summer meeting, which begins June 9.
Total wagering on Laurel Park’s just-concluded winter meeting was up more than 20 percent versus 2016, with average daily handle up 15 percent.
Laurel Park’s winter meet began and ended with upset winners in maiden races. In between, trainer Linda Rice dominated, winning at a 53 percent clip.
Multi-millionaire 11-year-old Ben’s Cat breezed three furlongs in 36 2/5 seconds this morning at Laurel Park in preparation for next month’s Jim McKay Turf Sprint at Pimlico.
Jockey Sheldon Russell, back riding after missing seven months with an injury, earned his first win back on Saturday.
Wonder How took Maryland’s second baby race of the year this afternoon for owner Kenny Taylor and trainer John Salzman, Sr. – the team behind Xtra Heat.
Shimmering Aspen dazzled in an easy allowance victory Saturday at Laurel Park. Next up: possibly graded stakes company on Preakness weekend.
Contrarity scored a 15-1 in Saturday’s Laurel Park opener, the first two-year-old race of 2017 in Maryland.