TMJC holds successful racing safety exercise

Local first responders were among the participants in a hands-on safety exercise organized by The Maryland Jockey Cub at Laurel Park the morning of October 2.

The exercise, which included two scenarios—incidents involving a horse and jockey at the starting gate and in the paddock—is required under the regulations of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Jockey Victor Carrasco volunteered as the injured rider, while a “trojan horse” was used for the exercise.

The event was organized by Jeff Kreimer, TMJC Director of Health and Safety, and his wife, Karen Zeiler, who works for TMJC on health and safety matters. They provided a detailed spreadsheet describing each event, the time of each action, the individual or individuals in charge, and the expected outcomes. The one-hour exercise followed a briefing for all attendees.

“The Maryland Jockey Club remains committed to ensuring the safety of our patrons, staff, and equine athletes,” Kreimer said. “We have partnered with MedStar Sports Medicine, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, and the county Office of Emergency Management to review our procedures, conduct joint training, and facilitate site tours.

“These efforts strengthen our preparedness and help maintain the highest level of response to any incident at Laurel Park. The track exercise that was held on October 2 was one of these instances. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants and first responders for their continued dedication in helping us achieve this goal. We look forward to working with our first responders for the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes in May of 2026.”

“There are millions of scenarios in racing—no situation is ever the same,” said Dr. Libby Daniel, the Maryland Racing Commission Equine Medical Director. “We all just need to observe and figure out how to fix things. In general, I think the team here is quick to respond.”

“Seconds and minutes can make a difference,” said Dr. Kelly Ryan of MedStar Health, which staffs the Maryland Horsemen’s Health System at the state’s Thoroughbred tracks. “We continue to work on better communication to get patients off the track as quickly as possible.”

“I’d like to thank everyone and Jeff for organizing this,” said Georganne Hale, TMJC Director of Racing Development. “I think everything went well.”

The first responders from nearby stations are regular visitors to Laurel and were asked to participate to experience what can occur on the racing side. The will have a presence at the October 11 Maryland Million and next spring at the Preakness Stakes.

The 2024 safety exercise scenarios were an incident involving a horse and jockey on the far turn of a race, and a second one in the paddock. Video of these exercises is uploaded to the HISA portal as part of its Racetrack Safety Program.

The following agencies and departments participated in the 2025 exercise at Laurel Park: Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management; Anne Arundel Fire Department Maryland City Fire Station 27; TMJC Emergency Medical Services; TMJC Security; MedStar Sports Medicine track physicians who staff the Horsemen’s Health System; Dr. Daniel; TMJC association veterinarians; TMJC starting gate, track and facilities crews; and TMJC management staff.

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