On May 28, the Maryland Jockey Club approved the resumption of live racing at Laurel Park beginning May 30. The meet will feature races on Friday and Saturday without the presence of spectators. According to the track owner, any decision to open the grounds to the public will depend on Governor Larry Hogan making a change to his standing order banning gatherings of more than 250 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We respectfully submitted, with approval by the horsemen, those dates based on the funds we have available for the purses in the purse account with the lack of casino wagering,” said Sal Sinatra, president of the Maryland Jockey Club. “For the time being, during this pandemic, the backstretch has been operating under very stiff protocols. I thank the horsemen and riders and everyone taking care of those animals. We respectfully request that we have those dates to attempt to do what our neighbors have been doing—running fan-free.”
