LAUREL, Md. — Live horse racing has been suspended until further notice at Laurel Park.
The Maryland Jockey Club made the announcement Friday on their website and social media platforms.
Please be advised racing has been canceled until further notice. #MJC
— Maryland Jockey Club (@LaurelPark) April 21, 2023
Although no immediate reason was given, a 4-year-old horse named Golden Pegasus died from an injury suffered during a race Thursday.
The news comes just weeks before the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico, which the jockey club also runs.
Earlier this week WMAR-2 News also reported on an amendment passed by the General Assembly, creating the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.
They will be tasked with overseeing the stalled progress of improvements at Laurel and Pimlico, which have been in the works for years.
Live racing had been scheduled at Laurel for this weekend, but that now seems in doubt.
Laurel last canceled weekend racing on April 8 for what they called "an abundance of caution to do a full evaluation of the racing surfaces."
According to the non-profit Horse Racing Wrongs, 268 horses have died at Laurel Park since 2014, including four this year.
In a statement the Maryland Jockey Club said they're working with the State Racing Commission to understand and address any issues of concern related to recent injuries.
The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) announced that after consultation with the Maryland Racing Commission, racing will be cancelled this weekend at Laurel Park while MJC works with the Maryland Racing Commission to understand and address any issues of concern raised relating to recent injuries. MJC will also be discussing plans for implementation of updated safety and veterinary protocols similar to those that have been in place in California since 2019 and have proven to significantly reduce the number of equine fatalities during racing and training
