Participating Owners Allowed at Laurel Starting June 6

An easing of COVID-19 health restrictions in Maryland will allow owners to watch races at Laurel Park beginning June 6, and out-of-state horses for the track's racing programs will be accepted beginning June 12.

According to the Maryland Jockey Club and Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, owners will be required to follow the COVID-19 mitigation protocols already in place at Laurel, such as adhering to social distancing of at least six feet and wearing face coverings. Owners will be permitted to enter the facility at the clockers' entrance near the Carriage Room in the grandstand after showing a Maryland Racing Commission badge. They will be allowed on the track apron to watch their horse race but must leave the area once the race is over.

The grandstand and clubhouse will remain closed, and paddock and winner's circle access will not be allowed. MJC management will allow a third person other than the trainer and one groom access to the paddock, though permission must be granted by the paddock judge in advance.

Shipping horses coming into Laurel may be accompanied by one trainer and one groom only and must report to the track's receiving barn.

Out-of-town jockeys are not yet allowed to ride in Maryland. Only those that competed during Laurel's opening weekend May 30 to June 1 will be allowed to ride.

After the live racing card June 8, racing will be held two days a week on Fridays and Saturdays.