Mike Gathagan
Vice President-Communications
Maryland Jockey Club

LAUREL, Md. – The second half of the Maryland racing calendar starts Saturday when Laurel Park opens an 11-day summer meeting with a nine-race card, including an all-Turf Pick 3 to end the program.

Live racing has been on hiatus in Maryland since May 22 at the conclusion of the Pimlico Race Course spring stand.
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Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club
A horse trains on the Laurel Park turf course.
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“The trainers are excited that we are back. It has been 10 weeks and they are tired of shipping out of town,” said Maryland Jockey Club racing secretary Georganne Hale. “Since our purses are so much smaller than the rest of the mid-Atlantic, the only way we can compete for out of towners is to utilize the turf course, which hasn’t been used since April. Delaware Park, Penn National and Philadelphia Park have been beat up because they have been using theirs all spring and summer, so we have to take advantage.”

The mini-meet, which will conclude Sunday, Aug. 22, features promotions each afternoon.

Friday Night Starters

Post Time 3:35 p.m.
Twilight Racing with Happy Hour Specials & Free Admission
Food and drink specials from 3:30-7 p.m., featuring $4 appetizers and $2 frozen drinks, drafts and wine
Foosball, Air Hockey and Darts in the Horse Wizard Room
Jockey Of The Day Drafts
Rody Races

Aug. 6

Live Music with Qi-Lo
Charm City Trivia

Aug. 13

Live Music with D’Vibe & Conga
Karaoke

Aug. 20

Live Music with Willies Light
Charm City Trivia

Sizzlin’ Saturdays

Post Time 1:10 p.m.
BBQs on the Clubhouse Apron
$5 plate includes sandwich and two sides
$2 frozen drink, beer and wine deals

July 31

Opening Day prizes – sports & crab feast tix, a Weber Grill & more
Live Music with Sons of the Radio

Aug. 7

Novice Handicapping Tournament
Live Music with Detour

Aug. 14

Live Music with Sons of the Radio

Aug. 21

Crab Feast
Live Music with Mama Jama

Sunday Brunch Jazz Days

Post Time 1:10 p.m.
A buffet with complimentary champagne and live jazz – $24.95 (11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)

Aug. 1 & 15

Live Music with Rob Levit

Aug. 8 & 22

Live Music with Gail Marten

“We have made it a priority to attract new customers,” said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. “Having such things as live music with happy hour specials and a novice handicapping tournament are helping us take a step in the right direction.”

The stand will include Maryland-bred stakes races on August 14 (Jameela) and August 21 (Mister Diz).

At the conclusion of the meet, live racing shifts to Timonium for a seven-day state fair stand. The Laurel Park fall meeting will begin after the Labor Day holiday.