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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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Spike In Fatalities Leads To Examination Of Laurel Park Main Track

What began as something officials called “routine maintenance” that would suspend training at Laurel Park in Laurel, Md., for one day on Nov. 29 has turned into a much more serious situation that could cause racing cancellations this week, according to Thoroughbred Daily News.

Seven horses have died at Laurel since Nov. 6, TDN reports, four as a result of racing injuries and three while training. Several of the fatalities occurred in mid-stretch, where track maintenance crews and consultants have focused their efforts to examine the surface.

Alan Foreman, who represents the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, told the TDN Friday's live racing program could be in jeopardy. 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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BHA Bullying Hearing Day 2: ‘The Isolation I Felt For Speaking Out I Wouldn’t Wish On Anyone’

The British Horseracing Authority's hearing into the jockey's room bullying case brought by female national hunt jockey Bryony Frost against male rider Robbie Dunne entered its second day on Wednesday.

After opening statements from Frost's attorney on Tuesday detailed the nature of the charges against Dunne, Frost was on the stand for much of today's hearing and underwent heavy cross examination from Dunne's representative Roderick Moore, according to racingpost.com.

One of Moore's primary arguments was that other female jockeys had not spoken out about malevolent behavior from Dunne.

“The isolation I felt for speaking out I wouldn't wish on anyone,” Frost countered. “You are asking me for my opinion and they [the other female riders] have to go into the weighing room every day. I feel they are protecting themselves and, rightly so, staying neutral.”

Dunne faces charges for seven individual rule breeches: four for conduct prejudicial to racing, and three for acting in a violent or improper manner. He denies all but one of the charges.

The hearing will continue on Thursday, and three days have been blocked out for continuation next week, if needed.

Santa Anita Brings Back ‘Ship & Win’ Program For Upcoming Winter/Spring Meeting

As part of a continuing effort to attract new horses and thus help to ensure better field size, Santa Anita Park will again be offering significant bonuses to horsemen bringing out of state horses to run at Santa Anita's upcoming Winter/Spring Meet which opens on Dec. 26.

Eligible horses will receive a $5,000 bonus as well as purse money 35 percent above their allotted purse percentage for one start. Horses who become eligible at the 2021 Del Mar Fall Meet will also be eligible for Ship & Win bonuses for their first start at Santa Anita's Winter/Spring Meet.

The $5,000 bonus will also apply to any stakes horse that meets Ship & Win eligibility guidelines, but those horses will not be eligible for the 35 percent purse increase.

“All of us have been gratified at the success of the Ship & Win program this year, at both Del Mar and here at Santa Anita,” said Chris Merz, Santa Anita Director of Racing and Racing Secretary. “We're certainly hoping to continue to attract more out of state horses this winter and spring and given the significant amount of money available, this has certainly incentivized our horsemen to go out and procure additional racing prospects.”

Santa Anita's Winter/Spring Meet Condition Book One is available online at santaanita.com. For additional information regarding Santa Anita's 2021-22 Ship & Win Program, please visit our website or call the Santa Anita Racing Office at (626) 574-RACE.

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