Poor weather cancels Laurel Park card
An early arrival of winter forced the cancellation of Thursday’s nine-race program at Laurel Park. Horses were at the gate for the first race when the decision was made to cancel racing because of deteriorating weather conditions from Winter Storm Avery. Early morning snow turned to sleet and freezing rain by afternoon with temperatures in the mid-30s and a wind chill in the mid-20s. The forecast called for a 100 percent chance of rain into today. “The weather turned worse as the day went on with the sleet and ice, and with the safety of our horses and horsemen in mind, we felt it was in everyone’s best interests to cancel,” Maryland Jockey Club president and general manager Sal Sinatra said. All wagers from races 1 through 9 were refunded. Laurel will remain open for simulcasting, including its planned seven-race LARC simulcast from Monterrico, Peru which has a scheduled post time of 5 p.m. Live racing is scheduled to return to Laurel with a nine-race program today beginning at 12:30 p.m. TODAY’S RACING: Stronach Stable’s millionaire homebred Something Awesome is entered to begin his comeback as the 7-5 program favorite in today’s third race, an open $55,000 allowance for 3-year-olds and up at 7 furlongs on the main track. Unraced since finishing last as the favorite in the Pimlico Special (G3) on May 18 at Pimlico Race Course, 7-year-old Something Awesome will have his regular rider, Hall of Famer Edgar Prado, aboard from drew Post 3 in the field of six. SATURDAY’S RACING: In addition to a program of nine live races, Laurel Park will host the seventh annual Brew & Bourbon Classic on Saturday. More than 60 different beers and spirits will be available for tasting from noon to 5 p.m., accompanied by DJ music and various food offerings. The event is limited to adults 21 and older. A Wagering 101 tent will be set up to assist fans in reading the program, placing wagers or answering general racing questions. To purchase tickets or for information, go to brewandbourbon.com. First race post time is 12:30 p.m.