The Maryland Jockey has announced changes to the training schedule at Laurel Park to accommodate a maintenance project on the main track that is expected to take one week.
The project is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Aug. 23. The entire schedule is subject to the weather and may need to be adjusted accordingly.
MJC Track Superintendent Chris Bosley said the work involves a section of the homestretch that was repaired in the fall of 2021. An inspection that was part of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Racetrack Safety Program, which began July 1, determined that the area requires further review, he said.
Bosley said now is the perfect time to perform the work with the Laurel summer meet ending Aug. 21 and live racing moving to the Maryland State Fair at Timonium for two weeks, followed by three weeks at Pimlico Race Course.
“It's actually nice to have a break and have the time to do preventative maintenance,” Bosley said.
The MJC released the following day-to-day information regarding training hours and various restrictions:
TUESDAY, AUG 23: Training from 5-9 a.m. with one break from 7-7:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUG 24 – THURSDAY, AUG 25: There will be no training so the maintenance project can begin.
FRIDAY, AUG 26 – SUNDAY, AUG 28: Dogs will be set up around the track for horses to gallop the right way only with no backing up, no joggers and no free ponying. Normal training hours of 5:30-10:30 a.m. will be in place. Gate schooling, standing only, no breaking.
MONDAY, AUG 29: Dogs will still be up with galloping the right way only with no backing up, no joggers and no free ponying. Training hours will be 5-9 a.m. with one break from 7-7:30 a.m.
TUESDAY, AUG 30: The entire track will be available for horses with regular training hours of 5:30-10:30 a.m., but workouts won't be permitted.
WEDNESDAY, AUG 31: The track will be open for regular training hours of 5:30-10:30 a.m. with workouts permitted.
During the project, the MJC said it will reimburse shipping costs for horses that want to travel to Pimlico Race Course for workouts only.
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