Maryland Jockey Club | Horse Racing Free Tips

After Spike In Fatalities, Racing At Laurel Park Cancelled Through Dec. 5

In the wake of the news that seven horses have died during racing or training at Laurel Park since Nov. 6, the Maryland Jockey Club released the following statement on Thursday, Dec. 2:

“The Maryland Jockey Club today announced the cancellation of racing at Laurel Park through Sunday, December 5, as work continues to complete repairs to the track and to analyze recent equine injuries. While racing is suspended, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and the Maryland Jockey Club are working with industry experts to analyze surface composition and maintenance procedures directed at the safest possible racing surface.

“Until now, and through collaborative measures among industry participants, Maryland racing has experienced the lowest fatality rate in its history. The safety, health and welfare of equine athletes is the primary responsibility of all stakeholders in Maryland and must be taken seriously. The Maryland racing industry remains laser focused on this problem and collectively pledges to do whatever is necessary to ensure that Maryland's historic racing industry remains world-class.”

The Laurel Park main track was replaced earlier this year, closing in April after not responding satisfactorily to wintertime cushion repairs. Racing was moved on an emergency basis to Pimlico while a multi-million project replaced the cushion, base and substructure of the main track. It reopened for racing in September.

Stronach Group, which owns Laurel and Pimlico, has brought in California-based track consultant Dennis Moore to examine the surface. Horsemen have hired former Maryland Jockey Club track superintendent John Passero to offer his perspective.

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Free Pie and Live Racing: A Laurel Park Thanksgiving Tradition

Courtesy Maryland Jockey Club

No matter the time of year, or the occasion, holiday traditions mean different things to different people.

For more than three decades, aside from hosting its annual live race card, Thanksgiving Day has meant only one thing at Laurel Park–pies.

Tens of thousands of the tasty treats–apple or pumpkin, take your pick–have been handed out since the late Frank J. De Francis Jr. purchased Laurel and historic Pimlico Race Course in late 1986.

“He's the one that started it, as a way of doing something special for the fans that come out,” Maryland Jockey Club Vice President of Racing Development Georganne Hale said. Hale first joined the MJC in 1984 as assistant racing secretary and has held various roles since, including racing secretary and Vice President of Racing.

“People look forward to it every year,” she added.

After spending several million dollars on innovative facilities improvements at Laurel and Pimlico, reviving the historic Pimlico Special in 1988 following a 29-year absence, spearheading legislation to authorize Sunday racing and telephone wagering in Maryland and the landmark tax reform act of 1985 which provided tax relief to the state's racing industry, De Francis passed away in August 1989.

His son, Joe, a successful attorney who had worked with his father for several years on Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing issues, became MJC's President and CEO at age 34. And the pie giveaway went on.

It continued when Magna Entertainment purchased majority interest of Laurel and Pimlico in July 2002 and following the transition to The Stronach Group and now 1/ST Racing. A pandemic canceled the pie giveaway last fall, only the second time in Hale's memory where it didn't take place. Already purchased, the pies were instead given away to members of the backstretch and local food banks.

Before online wagering and off-track betting, the MJC handed out as many as 10,000 pies. This year, it has 2,250 family sized apple and pumpkin pies ready for distribution, made by Clement's Pastry Shop in Hyattsville, Md.

“People love it. The line stretches out as far as you can see,” Hale said. “If we have any pies left over, we make sure everyone on the backside gets one and the rest we donate to the soup kitchens.”

Though Laurel is not the only jurisdiction racing on Thanksgiving–there are cards at six other Thoroughbred tracks in five states and Canada including Golden Gate Fields, Laurel's sister track in Albany, Calif.–the pie giveaway is one that sets Maryland apart.

“I've had people from California e-mail me asking if we're doing the pies again this year,” Hale said. “Everybody knows we do it. It's a great tradition.”

Laurel will open its doors at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day with a special 11:25 a.m. post for the first of its nine live races.

Fans will be able to choose a family sized pumpkin or apple pie with purchase of a racing program, with a maximum of two pies per person, while supplies last. Pies will be distributed until 4:30 p.m. at the grandstand entrance.

Free donuts, coffee, cider and hot chocolate will be available at the grandstand and clubhouse entrances from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Laurel will also host a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Terrace Dining Room. To make a buffet reservation, call 301-725-0770.

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MJC, MTHA Plan To Recognize ‘Unsung Heroes’ With Daily Best Turned Out Awards

The Maryland Jockey Club is partnering with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association to implement a Best Turned Out Award to honor the unsung heroes of racing, starting with the traditional Thanksgiving Day program Thursday, Nov. 25 at Laurel Park.

For each race on every live racing day, the groom of the best turned out horse will be awarded a $25 gift card and recognized on television and simulcast broadcasts and by track announcer Dave Rodman. On Thanksgiving Day, winners will be awarded a $100 gift card provided by sponsor Fidelity First.

Judges will examine the presentation and appearance of both horse and groom to determine a winner.

“Grooms have an immeasurable role in the care of these wonderful equine athletes and it's important to acknowledge this dedication. It's a fitting partnership with the Maryland Jockey Club, 1/ST Racing and the MTHA to recognize these individuals,” said Aidan Butler, 1/ST Racing COO.

“The MTHA is extremely thrilled to partner with the Maryland Jockey Club to recognize and reward the care and devotion regularly given by our horsemen to our equine athletes on a daily basis,” MTHA Executive Director David Richardson said. “We are proud to have the finest horsemen in the nation.”

Laurel's Thanksgiving Day program begins with a special first post of 11:25 a.m. and features the return of the popular family-sized pie giveaway after missing 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Fans will be able to choose a pumpkin or apple pie with purchase of a racing program, with a maximum of two pies per person, while supplies last. Pies will be distributed until 4:30 p.m. at the grandstand entrance.

Free donuts, coffee, cider and hot chocolate will be available at the grandstand and clubhouse entrances from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Laurel will also host a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Terrace Dining Room. To make a buffet reservation, call 301-725-0770.

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Maryland Horsemen, Veterinarians Urged To Use Online Injury Reporting Form

Horsemen and private veterinarians are reminded that the Maryland Racing Commission has an online Injury Reporting Form that should be used to report injuries during track at all Thoroughbred tracks in the state.

“This is important in our effort to track training injuries,” MRC Executive Director Mike Hopkins said. “It's also important to see if there is a pattern of a type of injury and where it occurred on the racetrack.”

The form asks for basic information as well the location on the track where the injury occurred, the type of injury, whether radiographs were taken, and the veterinary diagnosis for the injury.

The reporting of injuries during training was part of a Nov. 10 discussion among horsemen and Maryland Jockey Club officials in relation to keeping the track maintenance abreast of any issues.

The form is available online at this link: https://forms.gle/uZo7bp1Xa23zJYqW6

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