In an upbeat meeting today, the Maryland Racing Commission signed off on the Maryland Jockey Club’s request to run at least 162 days of live racing in 2017.
Jockey Sarah Shaffer was injured Saturday in a spill that led to a no-contest at Laurel Park Saturday, while rider Malcolm Franklin returned to Maryland.
Apprentice jockey Ashley Castrenze broke four ribs in an October spill at Laurel Park and figures to be out until later this month.
Nearly 200 horses have been nominated to seven stakes, including the 25th running of the DeFrancis Dash, at Laurel Park November 19.
Sunday’s Claiming Crown Preview day at Laurel Park hopes to drum up excitement for the event itself. Let’s say that excitement is still developing.
John Jones ran his win streak to four and earned a Claiming Crown berth with an easy win today at Laurel Park — one of three on the day for trainer Lacey Gaudet.
A pair of female apprentice riders — Anna Carrow and Sarah Shaffer — recorded their first career victories within six days of each other.
John Jones, winner of three straight, will look to stretch out in Sunday’s $60,000 feature on Claiming Crown Preview day at Laurel Park.
Average daily handle was off 12 percent in October versus the prior month, and total handle also fell.
Red-hot John Jones, a winner of three straight, headlines Claiming Crown Preview day at Laurel Park November 6, featuring automatic berths to the Claiming Crown.