Laurel Park to host “Thanksgiving Day at the Races”

LAUREL, MD—"He puts his heart into every race,” winning jockey Mychel Sanchez proudly stated after Normandy Hero held off an onrushing Swill to win Sunday’s featured eighth at Laurel Park, a $53,000 second-level allowance at 5 ½ furlongs over the Dahlia Turf Course.

The third choice in the bulky 11-horse field, Normandy Hero returned $10.20 to his backers and completed a natural $26.40 daily double for Sanchez and trainer Jamie Ness. Newly claimed Mosler Time rallied up the inside to win the eighth race for the combination.

Sanchez had his choice on the original overnight among Normandy Hero, Fore Harp, and Mister Lincoln, and he picked wisely.

“He was working really, really good going into this race,” Sanchez said. “I told Jamie the last two times that I worked him that he worked like never before.”

Normandy Harp showed sharp speed from the opening bell, cleared to the lead and the rail through an opening quarter in 21.92 seconds, drifted well off the fence through the long stretch to the second wire finish, and lasted to prevail by a head in 1:02.41 over the good turf.

Stakes-winner Swill, the 7-2 betting favorite, sat in the pocket, eased outside the winner in upper stretch, then just missed. Mister Lincoln, Grade 3-placed Boltage, Launch Control, multiple stakes-winner Fore Harp, Hold Out, Fun Notion, millionaire Smooth B, Pealing Lad, and Billionaire Row completed the order of finish.

“We knew he was going to be in the lead,” Sanchez enthused. “He's really fast and strong. He's like a bull."

Normandy Hero, a 4-year-old colt by Omaha Beach, was bred in Kentucky by Yoshida, Brock, Collins, Crawford, Doyle, and Vanbeek. He is a half-brother to Grade 3-placed dirt miler Joke Maker from the family of multiple Grade 1 winners Birdstone and Bird Town.

Listed as a $40,000 RNA as a yearling, Normandy Hero made his first 11 starts for trainer Rodolphe Brisset, and was twice stakes-placed sprinting on dirt in Kentucky as a 2-year-old.

Claimed by Ness’s Jagger Inc. in partnership with Troy Johnson and Charles Lo for $40,000 at Keeneland last year, Normandy Hero found his stride this spring, winning three consecutive races, including his turf debut at Laurel on June 28.

Unbeaten from two turf tries, he’s proven equally adept on both grass and dirt.

“He always puts his ears back, but in a good way,” Sanchez said. “He's a fighter.”

*Laurel Park hosts “Thanksgiving Day at the Races”

This Thanksgiving, trade the kitchen chaos for an unforgettable day at Laurel Park.

Enjoy a holiday feast, thrilling live Thoroughbred racing, and a festive atmosphere that brings family and friends together—all without lifting a finger.

“Thanksgiving Day at the Races” features nine live events and an All-Inclusive Thanksgiving Buffet featuring all your holiday favorites prepared by our culinary team.

Gates open at 10:00 a.m. ET. Special first post time is 11:25 a.m. ET.

For ticket information and menu options, please click here.

The Complimentary Pie Giveaway is a beloved Laurel Park Thanksgiving tradition.

Purchase a program, get a free apple or pumpkin pie in the grandstand lobby starting after Race 4. Must present proof of purchase at check-in.

*Around the track:

Trainer Brittany Russell and jockey Sheldon Russell teamed up for two winners on the Sunday program. Cougar Cocktail ($5.80) looks like a 3-year-old filly to watch after making it 2-for-2 to begin her career. She overcame a wide trip to win the sixth race, a first-level allowance at 5 ½ furlongs over the All Along Turf Course. Tactics ($4.40) got up in the last jump to win the finale, a $25,000 maiden claiming race for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles…Barbadian Runner earned a 96 Beyer Speed Figure for his victory in Saturday’s Richard W. Small Stakes. Dave’s Friend winner Petingas Twin received an 86, and Willa On the Move heroine Grammy Girl scored an 87 on the Beyer scale…The FREE “Laurel Park Handicapping Guide” is available every racing day. Get picks, analysis, trip notes, trainer stats, horses to watch, track bias information, and much more from The Maryland Jockey Club team of handicappers. Thursday’s Guide is available on Wednesday evening: click here to view…Reserve your spot for our weekly “Bubbly Brunch Sundays.” Kick back with friends over delicious brunch favorites and bottomless mimosas in our vibrant Stone Bar Restaurant and Bar. Sunday Brunch begins at 11:00 am ET…Never miss a second of the action with the Laurel Park YouTube channel. Click here to catch full pan and head-on replays.