LAUREL, Md.--The Maryland Jockey Club has announced that Laurel Park will remain closed for racing as work continues to complete renovation to the track.
Live racing at Laurel Park was suspended on December 3rd.
Racing was suspended because seven Laurel Park horses died since Nov. 6, and eight horses in total have had to have been put down during the fall racing season after sustaining fractures while racing or training over the newly installed main dirt track there.
The most recent death occurred in Laurel's eighth race Nov. 28, and training was curtailed in the three days since then.
A portion of the surface has been dug up in mid-stretch to allow an influx of track maintenance consultants to try and discover if there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
IT WAS decided that the track needed renovation.
This could severely impact trainers and all their help, as there now will be no racing in Maryland.
There is no indication yet what owners, unable to race their horses yet still obligated to pay trainers' fees, will do.
But, if owners decide to race their horses elsewhere or turn them out while there is no racing, what will that do to Maryland trainers?
Track renovation plans have been developed in collaboration with The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, the Maryland Jockey Club and industry experts with the goal of having the safest possible racing surface.
The Maryland racing industry remains laser focused on prioritizing the safety, health and welfare of equine athletes, and is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Maryland’s historic racing industry remains world-class.
For more information on the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, visit www.laurelpark.com or follow on social @MarylandJockeyClub.