Racing to resume at Laurel Park Dec. 16

Live racing will resume at Laurel Park Thursday, Dec. 16, given positive feedback received during a special Maryland Racing Committee held to provide an update on the reconstitution of the cushion material on the dirt track.

Though racing hasn’t been held the past two weeks, the track remained opened for light training and workouts were permitted beginning Dec. 10. Mike Rogers, Acting President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, told the commission Dec. 14 that almost 270 horses worked over a five-day period with positive results.

More than 1,200 tons of coarse sand was added to the surface in part to prepare it for winter racing. “We’ve seen dramatic improvement in the cushion in the colder weather,” Rogers said. “The feedback we have been getting has been very positive. I’ve personally received comments from trainers and riders. We’re very happy and pleased with where we are.”

“I definitely concur with Mike Rogers,” said trainer Tim Keefe, President of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. “We’re definitely seeing a different racetrack. Feedback from other trainers and the jockeys has been very positive. Everything is moving the right direction.”