Laurel Park Cancels Dec. 3-5 While Surface Examined

The Maryland Jockey Club announced Dec. 2 the cancellation of racing at Laurel Park Dec. 3-5 as work continues to complete repairs to the track and to analyze recent equine injuries.

While racing is suspended, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and the Maryland Jockey Club are working with industry experts to analyze Laurel's surface composition and maintenance procedures to achieve the safest possible racing surface, MJC said in a release.

Laurel Park, owned by The Stronach Group, experienced a spike in fatalities over the past month, leading to an evaluation of the surface in recent days. The main track was revamped earlier this year and racing in the state shifted from Laurel to Pimlico Race Course, another MJC and TSG-owned and operated track. Laurel, which typically runs the majority of race dates in Maryland, reopened in September.

"Until now, and through collaborative measures among industry participants, Maryland racing has experienced the lowest fatality rate in its history," the track wrote in its release. "The safety, health, and welfare of equine athletes is the primary responsibility of all stakeholders in Maryland and must be taken seriously. The Maryland racing industry remains laser-focused on this problem and collectively pledges to do whatever is necessary to ensure that Maryland's historic racing industry remains world-class."

Two $100,000 stakes for state-breds, the Maryland Juvenile Fillies and Maryland Juvenile, that were initially carded for Saturday have been rescheduled for Dec. 11.