Laurel Cancels Due to Surface, Pimlico Begins April 22
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Photo: Jim Duley/Maryland Jockey Club
Racing at Laurel Park
The operators of Laurel Park announced April 15 the cancellation of racing at the Maryland track April 17-19 due to an ongoing evaluation of the main track. On an emergency basis, Maryland racing moves to Pimlico Race Course, effective April 22, according to a press release.
Citing uncertainty of the timeline to rehabilitate the main track surface cushion at Laurel Park, 1/ST Racing, which owns Maryland Jockey Club tracks Laurel Park and Pimlico, submitted an application to the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association to move live racing to Pimlico. The application was granted, according to 1/ST Racing. Pimlico had not been scheduled to open until May 6.
As part of regular track maintenance, the MJC identified on April 14 that the Laurel main track had not responded sufficiently to wintertime cushion repairs. Horses will be allowed to gallop during an abbreviated training schedule April 16.
Dr. Mick Peterson, executive director of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, along with 1/ST Racing senior track superintendent and the MJC's Chris Bosley, have been working together to assess the cushion replacement options and to identify a project timeline.
"We understand that the timing of this Laurel Park main track maintenance is not ideal for our horsemen, but the safety of the horses and our riders must be our top priority," said Aidan Butler, chief operating officer for 1/ST Racing.