Successful 2025 turf season at Laurel Park to conclude Thanksgiving Day

The following is from Laurel Park turf consultant Logan Freeman of C6 Turf Management LLC:

"After an incredible 2025 season, Thanksgiving Day will mark the final day of turf racing at Laurel Park. Thanks to favorable weather and the dedication of our turf maintenance team, we look to extend the turf racing season by seven additional race days, weather pending, compared to last year. This achievement makes 2025 the latest turf racing date since 2016, when the season concluded on December 4.

"Throughout the year, the turf course supported large fields and multiple turf races a day. Our maintenance crew now needs to shift focus to essential off-season work—aerification, seeding, soil amendments, rolling, and overall surface recovery—to prepare for winter and ensure a strong start to 2026. In fact, some of the preparations traditionally done on the Pimlico turf course will now be implemented at Laurel Park in preparation for hosting Preakness weekend 2026.

"The turf course supported one of the heaviest turf race loads in the country during the fall. This performance reflects several years of improved practices and management, combined with excellent communication among track management, maintenance staff, jockeys, and trainers.

"As we close out the final race days, we celebrate a season defined by hard work and dedication—and the turf maintenance crew thanks everyone for the support and looks forward to 2026."