The Maryland Horse Racing Club resumes racing on April 27 at Laurel Park was canceled after the card failed to attract enough entries on April 22.
In a statement released late Saturday, the Maryland Jockey Club, operated by 1/ST Racing, expressed confidence in the Laurel Park track surface, which has come under criticism after repeated routine maintenance. period in the past two years. A number of recent horse racing deaths at the Maryland track are of concern to riders and race operators.
In its statement, the MJC wrote, “While the track surface is within industry standards, certain riders have decided not to submit entries for the race card this Thursday. Hopefully later on. when considering the events, the live race will be conducted.”
The MJC cited testing by Southern California-based track surface consultant Dennis Moore, whose moderator said it conducted a comprehensive series of on-site tests in Maryland over a three-day period.” to ensure the safety of our track surface.” The MJC said those tests yielded “all within industry standards. Based on these tests and their expertise, our race experts advised that there’s no problem with the track and it’s safe to race and train.”
Lacey Gaudet, a coach based in Maryland, questioned the race operator’s communication on the track surface with the riders, writing on Twitter, “Why can’t (the riders) be interviews about everything they say was done here?
On April 23, running was the only horse-training activity allowed on the track at Laurel Park and at MJC’s Racecourse Pimlicoaccording to a tweet from the Maryland Thoroughbred Riders Association.
“No jobs at Laurel or Pimlico — no problems with the back surface, apparently — and no gate schools either way. … Explain as you wish,” MTHA tweeted.
The MJC cited equine mortality rates provided by Dr Jennifer Durenberger, equine safety and welfare director for the Equestrian Integrity and Safety Authority, as Laurel’s death rate this year is 1 .3 horses per 1,000 starts as of Jan. 1. These statistics are lower than last year’s mortality rate for the same time period was 1.98 per 1,000 starts, Durenberger noted over MJC statement.
“We hope that all stakeholders will be able to come to a consensus and adopt the enhanced veterinary and safety procedures that have been implemented with great success in California. The MJC has made requests many times. riders and is still awaiting their approval to be able to continue performing them,” the MJC statement said.
Horse deaths have fallen in California since spike in catastrophic injuries in Santa Anita . Parkanother 1/ST track, in early 2019. The joint effort of the tracks, the maintenance team, the California Horse Racing Board, riders and veterinarians has been widely credited for reducing rates died in that state.
“While we all know that catastrophic injuries will not be completely eliminated, it is clear from the above that our track is not the problem and we call on the committee and (Cavalry Association) Maryland thoroughbred) leverages proven innovations to improve horse safety,” the MJC statement concluded.
The MJC said its racing office will take registrations on Sunday for the race scheduled for April 28.
The Maryland Racing Commission called an emergency hearing on April 25 at 11 a.m. ET in Laurel.
“We encourage everyone interested in MD Racing to show up,” MRC commissioner Bobby Lillis tweeted. “Your voice is important, this will be an opportunity to be heard. The safety and welfare of our horses and jockeys has always been and will ALWAYS be our top priority.”
The MRC will have an expedited hearing on Tuesday. 4/25 11 am @ Laurel Park. We encourage everyone interested in MD Racing to show up. Your voice is important, this is your chance to be heard. The safety and welfare of our horses and jockeys has been and will ALWAYS be our top priority. pic.twitter.com/iHiNTrAoBw
– Bobby Lillis (@bobby_llillis) April 23, 2023
