By Bill Finley
In a press release sent out just 50 minutes before the post time for the day's first race, Laurel Park management announced that the Saturday card had been postponed. The reason given was an “abundance of caution to do a full evaluation of the racing surfaces.”
According to multiple sources, two horses broke down during training hours Saturday. One of the horses had to be euthanized and the other did not. There were no incidents during racing on Thursday and Friday.
Maryland Jockey Club Acting President Mike Rogers sent a group text to horsemen Saturday at 11:10 a.m, which read: “I have received feedback from some of the horsemen that they have concerns about the track, and we are going to take the next couple of days to investigate those concerns.”
The track will be closed Sunday and Monday, but is expected to re-open for training on Tuesday. Live racing resumes Thursday.
The condition of the main track at Laurel has been an issue in recent years. In 2021, seven horses died at Laurel over a four-week period after a new racing surface was installed.
According to the Racingbiz.com, Rogers addressed concerns horsemen had with the track in an April 4 meeting of the Maryland Racing Commission, saying the company was in the midst of repairs to a spot near the first finish line.
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