The 171 days the Maryland Jockey Club today requested from the state Racing Commission for 2018 represent a nine-day increase over 2017.
Laurel Park will begin racing four days a week on a Friday-Monday schedule starting the second weekend in October. Here’s why.
The average daily handle at the just-completed Laurel Park summer meet rose by more than 25 percent, the Maryland Jockey Club said.
“It’s bittersweet, but I’m excited to see where the road leads me,” says Gabby Gaudet, whose final day at the MJC was July 16.
Among the highlights for the fall stakes schedule at Laurel Park are the October 21 Maryland Million and the G3 De Francis Dash, shifted to mid-September.
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.
Jim McCue, Maryland track photographer for nearly 50 years, will receive the award Preakness week for his service to the racing industry.
Todd Pletcher, trainer of dominant Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, will bring his star to Baltimore for the May 20 Preakness Stakes.
Tim Capps, who held leadership roles with both the Maryland Jockey Club and Maryland Horse Breeders Association, has died at age 71.
