The Maryland Jockey Club, through its Security Department, would like to remind the community on policies related to dormitory rooms.Any employee who leaves the backstretch for vacations, temporary relocation at another racetrack, or travel for visas and other immigration-related reasons, etc., is required to give the Security Department advance notice. Upon departure, all room keys should be left with Security.

The Maryland backstretch community celebrated Thanksgiving Nov. 28 with free meals throughout the day at Laurel Park.The Paz family, who operates the kitchens on the backstretch and in the jocks room at Laurel Park, served more than 350 full turkey dinners from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., which was open for live racing. The meals included stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and corn.

Laurel Park has canceled live racing programs scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24, following the cancellation of Friday’s races after jockeys raised concerns about the condition of the dirt surface.

Maryland racing licensees should be aware of the Maryland Racing Commission regulation for drug prohibitions in humans, which includes marijuana use.

The traditional free Thanksgiving dinner sponsored by MTHA returns on Thursday, Nov. 28, in the track kitchen at Laurel Park.

Upgrades to the Maryland Backstretch Pension Plan that are designed to provide participants with greater flexibility and more investment options were explained in detail during an Oct. 22 webinar hosted by John Hancock financial advisers.