Racing News

Jockey Sheldon Russell to Have Surgery on Injured Right Foot

09/15/2021

Journeyman Leads All Maryland Riders in Purses Won in 2021

BALTIMORE – Sheldon Russell, the top money-winning jockey in Maryland this year, will have surgery to repair an injury to his right foot suffered in a pre-race spill Sept. 9 at Laurel Park.

Russell, 34, got the news Monday after visiting Dr. Jacob Wisbeck, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle injuries, at MedStar Health in Timonium, Md. Russell said a date for surgery won’t be determined before a follow-up visit Sept. 20.

Jalen Journey Making Trip to Laurel for De Francis Dash (G3)

09/12/2021

G1-Placed 6-Year-Old Works Sunday for $200,000 Sprint Sept. 18
Rainbow 6, Late Pick 5 Carryovers for Friday, Sept. 17 Program

BALTIMORE – A three-furlong blowout Sunday morning put the finishing touches on Grade 1-placed Jalen Journey’s preparations for the $200,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G3) Sept. 18 at Laurel Park.

De Francis (G3) Next Stop for 'Craig' Following Saturday Breeze

09/11/2021

Six-Furlong Sprint Headlines Four Stakes Worth $500,000 Sept. 18
Favored Matta Sprints to Saturday Feature Triumph on Turf

BALTIMORE – It’s on to the $200,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G3) for newly minted stakes winner Wondrwherecraigis, who tuned up for his return to graded competition with an easy half-mile breeze Saturday morning at Laurel Park.

Stronach Returns and Rewards Three Bettors with a $24,266 Payoff

09/10/2021

BALTIMORE – The Stronach 5 returned Friday after a five-month break and there were three winning tickets each worth $24,266.70.

Once again, the Stronach 5 continues to show a strong return on investment with two favorites winning and the longest shot returning $21.60.

Foot Injury Sidelines Multiple Meet Champion Rider Russell

09/10/2021

Home Brew Unleashes Late Kick to Capture Career Debut Friday

BALTIMORE – Champion jockey Sheldon Russell, ranked second by wins among Maryland riders this year, will be out indefinitely with a foot injury suffered during Thursday’s opening day program finale at Laurel Park.

Russell, 34, was hurt after being dropped by Little Bit of That, a 2-year-old Maryland-bred filly trained by his wife, Brittany Russell, when the daughter of Great Notion reared in the post parade.

Maryland Million on Radar for Stakes Winner Cynergy's Star

09/09/2021

Frosty Brew, Kit Keller Make Winning Debuts

BALTIMORE – Bonuccelli Racing’s Cynergy’s Star, front-running winner of the Timonium Juvenile Aug. 29 to cap a busy slate of three races in 27 days, will get a breather before being pointed to the 36th Jim McKay Maryland Million program Oct. 23 at Laurel Park.

Live Racing Returns to Laurel Park Thursday for 59-Day Fall Meet

09/08/2021

Racing Thursday – Sunday Through November, 12:40 Starting Post Time
De Francis (G3), Maryland Million Top 33 Stakes Worth $3.525 Million

BALTIMORE – Following a multi-million dollar reconstruction of the main track that led to a Preakness Meet at historic Pimlico Race Course extended into late August, live racing is set to make its long-awaited and highly anticipated return to Laurel Park.

Stronach 5 Returns with Four on the Turf

09/08/2021

Races From Gulfstream, Laurel & Golden Gate
Low 12-Percent Takeout, Full Fields

BALTIMORE – The Stronach 5, offering a low 12-percent takeout, returns Friday with the first four races in the sequence on the turf from Gulfstream Park and Laurel Park.

The Stronach 5 kicks off at 4:12 ET with Gulfstream’s fifth races and concludes at approximately 5:45 with the third race at Golden Gate Fields.

Teen Phenom

09/07/2021

How 18-Year-Old Charlie Marquez Became Maryland’s Leading Rider
Story and Slideshow

BALTIMORE – Idle time is something rare for Charlie Marquez these days. When the teenage riding sensation somehow managed a three-hour break between mounts over closing weekend of historic Pimlico Race Course’s Preakness Meet, he took the opportunity to shut off his cell phone and turn off his mind.

Nine Races for Sept. 9 Opening Day Program at Laurel Park

09/07/2021

First Live Card at Laurel Since April 11
National Weekly Stronach 5 Wager Returns with Laurel Fall Meet

BALTIMORE – A total of 88 horses were entered in nine races, five over a newly reconstructed main track and four on its world-class turf course, as live racing makes its return to Laurel Park Thursday, Sept. 9.