BALTIMORE, 06-08-13---The Pimlico Race Course spring meeting ended today with jockey Sheldon Russell and trainer Juan Vazquez winning individual titles. The 36-day stand began at the historic home of the Preakness Stakes (G1) on April 4.

Russell topped the jockey standings for the second time in three years with 28 first place finishes,two more than both Xavier Perez and apprentice Victor Carrasco.The 25-year-old had six multiple win days during the meet, including three wins on May 4.

“I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to ride for who I ride for,” Russell said. “I am lucky to hang on. The last two days have been nerve racking though it hasn’t stopped me from riding my own race. It has been close but I am proud to be on top at the home of the second leg of the Triple Crown.”

Forest Boyce and Yomar Ortiz tied for fourth in the standings. Each rode 22 winners.

Vazquez earned his first training title in Maryland by winning 22 races, six more than Scott Lake. Dane Kobiskie (14), King Leatherbury (14) and Hugh McMahon (13) rounded out the top five. The Vazquez barn had four multiple win afternoons during the meet, including three on April 11.

“The horses ran very well and I am looking forward to supporting Maryland racing when racing returns to Laurel,” said Vazquez, who has two titles at Delaware Park on his resume. “The condition book was our friend this meet. The horses were put in the right spot and ran great.”

PTK LLC topped the owner standings with 14 victories, three more than the Jim Stable.

There will not be live racing at the major Maryland tracks for the next 14 weeks. The Laurel Park fall meeting begins Thursday, September 19.

MARYLAND JOCKEY CLUB SAYS GOODBYE TO CARULLI

Frank Carulli ended his 11 ½ year stint as the Maryland Jockey Club’s racing analyst and handicapper this afternoon. Before the 5^th race, Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas presented Carulli with two framed photos and a gift certificate toSabatino's Italian Restaurantin Little Italy. The 51-year-old is moving to Las Vegas next month to become a professional gambler.

Between races, Carulli awarded thank you gifts to some of his closest friends at Pimlico and Laurel Park after providing selections for each race.

“The plan was to make it a fun day. Hopefully the people were listening because there were some pretty good stories,” Carulli said. “These people have been my family for more than a decade and I will miss them.”

When racing resumes in September, Gabby Gaudet will be Carulli’s on-air replacement. Keith Feustle will handle the morning line role.

About Pimlico Race Course

Historic Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness® Stakes, the middle jewel in horse racing's famed Triple Crown, first opened its doors on October 25, 1870, and is the second oldest racetrack in the United States. Pimlico has played host to racing icons and Baltimoreans have seen the likes of legendary horses such as Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, Affirmed and Cigar thunder down the stretch in thrilling and memorable competition. For more information on Pimlico, visit www.pimlico.com.

Pimlico Race Course is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a major producer of televised horse racing programming through its HRTV cable and satellite network and is North America's premier supplier of virtual online horse racing games, as well as a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.