Laurel Park Fall Meet Schedule Will Include Increased Number Of Stakes Races And Richer Purses

Laurel Park Fall Meet Schedule Will Include Increased Number Of Stakes Races And Richer Purses

LAUREL, MD. 07-17-12---The Maryland Jockey Club unveiled the 2012 Laurel Park fall schedule today after reaching agreement with both the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Horse Breeders Association. The schedule was approved by the Maryland Racing Commission earlier this afternoon at its monthly meeting.

After a 15-week break, which will include seven live days of racing at Timonium during the State Fair in late August and early September, live racing will resume at the major tracks two days after Labor Day. Racing will take place four days a week through the end of the year on a Wednesday through Saturday schedule, holidays excluded.

The 69-day fall meeting, which begins Wednesday, Sept. 5 and concludes Monday, Dec. 31, includes 32 stakes races, five more than a year ago. The average daily purse will be increased from $210,000 to $240,000, thanks to revenue from slot machines in the state. 

“It is important to have stakes races bolster our Saturday cards,” said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. “To build our business from a handle standpoint, races need to be more attractive to simulcast players. We are in the process of finalizing the promotional schedule for the fall, which we expect will bring more fans into the building.”

Headlining the stand will be the 27th running of the Jim McKay Maryland Million Day for the offspring of Maryland-based stallions on Saturday, Oct. 6 and the return of the Fall Festival of Racing three weeks later. That card will feature five stakes races on the turf as well as the $350,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash.

Laurel Park Fall Meeting Dates:

  • September 5-6-7-8
  • September 12-13-14-15
  • September 19-20-21-22
  • September 26-27-28-29
  • October 3-4-5-6
  • October 8-11-12-13
  • October 17-18-19-20
  • October 24-25-26-27
  • October 31-November 1-2-3
  • November 7-8-9-10
  • November 14-15-16-17
  • November 21-22-23-24
  • November 28-29-30-December 1
  • December 5-6-7-8
  • December 12-13-14-15
  • December 19-20-21-22
  • December 26-27-28-29
  • December 31

 

Date Track Stakes Conditions Distance Purse
8-Sep Laurel Park Japan Racing Association 3 & UP 1 1/16 mile (T) 100,000
8-Sep   All Brandy F & M 3 & UP (MD-bred) 1 1/8 mile (T) TBA
15-Sep   Jameela F & M 3 & UP (MD-bred) 6 furlongs (T) TBA
6-Oct   Md. Million Distaff Starter Handicap F & M 3 & UP (MD-sired) 1 mile 50,000
6-Oct   Md. Million Starter Handicap 3 & UP (MD-sired) 1 mile 50,000
6-Oct   Md. Million Turf Sprint 3 & UP (MD-sired) 5.5 furlongs (T) 100,000
6-Oct   Md. Million Lassie 2 YO fillies (MD-sired) 6 furlongs 100,000
6-Oct   Md. Million Nursery 2 YO (MD-sired) 6 furlongs 100,000
6-Oct   Md. Million Oaks 3 YO fillies (MD-sired) 1 mile 100,000
6-Oct   Md. Million Distaff  F & M 3 & UP (MD-sired) 7 furlongs 100,000
6-Oct   Md. Million Sprint 3 & UP (MD-sired) 6 furlongs 100,000
6-Oct   Md. Million Ladies F & M 3 & UP (MD-sired) 1 1/8 mile (T) 100,000
6-Oct   Md. Million Turf 3 & UP (MD-sired) 1 1/8 mile (T) 100,000
6-Oct   Md. Million Classic 3 & UP (MD-sired) 1 1/8 mile 150,000
27-Oct   Frank J. DeFrancis Memorial Dash 3 & UP 6 furlongs 350,000
27-Oct   Laurel Futurity 2 YO  5.5 furlongs (T) 100,000
27-Oct   Selima 2 YO fillies  5.5 furlongs (T) 100,000
27-Oct   Laurel Dash 3 & UP 6 furlongs (T) 100,000
27-Oct   Laurel Turf Cup 3 & UP 1 1/2 mile (T) 100,000
27-Oct   Lady Baltimore F & M 3 & UP  1 1/16 mile (T) 100,000
3-Nov   Smart Halo 2 YO fillies 6 furlongs 100,000
10-Nov   James F. Lewis III 2 YO 6 furlongs 100,000
17-Nov   Lady Dean 3 YO fillies  7 furlongs 100,000
24-Nov   Gin Talking 2 YO fillies 7 furlongs 100,000
1-Dec   Marylander 2 YO  7 furlongs 100,000
8-Dec   City of Laurel 3 YO 7 furlongs 100,000
15-Dec   Willa On The Move F & M 3 & UP  6 furlongs 100,000
22-Dec   Thirty Eight Go Go F & M 3 & UP  1 mile 100,000
26-Dec   Md. Juvenile Filly Championship 2 YO fillies (MD-breds) 7.5 furlongs TBA
29-Dec   Md. Juvenile Championship 2 YO  (MD-breds) 7.5 furlongs TBA
29-Dec   Dave's Friend 3 & UP 6 furlongs 100,000
31-Dec   Broad Brush 3 & UP 1 1/8 mile 100,000