Racing News

Laurel Park Raises Stakes Purses for De Francis Dash Day on June 28

Historic De Francis Dash worth $175,000

LAUREL, MD – The new Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association today announced $25,000 purse increases for a quartet of stakes races at Laurel Park on June 28.

The Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash, for 3-year-olds and upward at six furlongs, is now worth $175,000, while the Prince George’s County, Deputed Testamony, and Alma North Stakes each offer $125,000 in purse money.

Magical Mondays Captures Memorial Day Feature

Chevy Man an impressive maiden graduate
Jockey Ruiz wins three turf races

LAUREL, MD – It was a magical Memorial Day Monday for trainer Tim Woolley after Magical Mondays rallied to win the opener at Laurel Park, a $45,000 maiden special weight for state-bred or -sired runners at one mile on turf.

Making his first start of the season, Magical Mondays rated near the back of the pack as Regency Tale and Silk Suit controlled fractions of 24.18 and 49.06 seconds.

Mission Accomplished in Sunday feature

Kake’s Arrow hits mark on turf

LAUREL, MD – Move over Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders.

Mission North might be the next two-sport superstar.

After dominating two steeplechase events by a combined 31 lengths, Mission North cut back 1 ½ miles in distance, moved to the flat, and steamrolled a good field in Sunday’s featured seventh race, a $48,000 state-sired allowance for 3-year-olds and upward at eight furlongs on turf.

Boyce Times it Right in Saturday Feature

Post Time has final workout before Churchill’s Grade 3 Blame Stakes

LAUREL, MD – Jockeys are the toughest athletes on the planet.

 

Baseball players risk beanings when they dig in at home plate. Basketball stars are often fouled hard when driving to the hoop. Football and hockey players suffer vicious collisions on the gridiron and ice, respectively.

None are followed by an ambulance when they go to work.

Devil Pays in Gold Wins One for David

Just Philtored an impressive debut winner
Brittany Russell snags Pimlico training title
Joyce Adamson wins $1,000 in “Charm City Challenge”

LAUREL, MD – “We’ll give this one to David,” trainer Kieron Magee said after Devil Pays In Gold rallied to capture Friday’s featured seventh race, a $53,000 second-level allowance for fillies and mares at six furlongs.

The Maryland Jockey Club Names Board of Directors

LAUREL, MDThe Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) proudly announces the inaugural board of directors for The Maryland Jockey Club, Inc., a newly formed nonprofit entity charged with overseeing live Thoroughbred racing at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course—home of the world-renowned Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of racing’s Triple Crown—and a new, state-of-the-art training facility built in Carroll County Maryland.

Laurel Park Presents “Charm City Late Pick 5” Contest

Exclusive daily online contest throughout the summer meet

LAUREL, MD – Laurel Park proudly announces the “Charm City Late Pick 5” handicapping contest beginning at the upcoming summer meet.

The free contest starts May 23 and concludes on June 29. Register today at CharmCityPick5.com.

Malibu Beauty Wires Them in Sunday Feature

Russell, Rodriguez, Euro Stable win meet-end honors
Journalism the 5-1 favorite in Preakness 150 Future Wager Pool

LAUREL, MD – Trainer Gary Capuano wasn’t sure what to expect from Malibu Beauty when the veteran returned from a 134-day layoff in Sunday’s featured eighth race at Laurel Park, a high-level allowance with a $55,000 claiming option for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles.

He got a pacesetting 3 ½ length victory over stablemate – and fellow 7-year-old – Intrepid Dream.

Post Time Dominant in 2025 Debut

Romeo kisses them goodbye in first baby race of the year

LAUREL, MD – Sheldon Russell handed a pair of goggles to a railbird after Saturday’s sixth race at Laurel, a third-level allowance with a $55,000 claiming option at 1 1/16 miles.

“That’s my doctor,” the jockey said. “He fixed my shoulder.”

Russell had every reason to be in a giving mood. Minutes before, his top mount, reigning Maryland-bred Horse of the Year Post Time, dissected a solid group of horses in his 2025 debut.

Derbyness Mows Them Down in Laurel Feature

National Thoroughbred League Kicks Off Season at Pimlico on May 10

LAUREL, MD – As Brittany Russell saddled odds-on favorite Derbyness in Friday’s featured eighth race at Laurel Park, a $48,000 state-sired allowance for 3-year-olds and upward at one mile, she couldn’t help but focus on a gray horse schooling in the paddock.

Even after Derbyness headed onto the track and trotted up the chute to the starting gate, Russell concentrated on the well-dappled colt, who completed his exercise without incident.