In response to a critical letter and photos of deteriorating conditions released by Baltimore Del. Nick Mosby, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman ordered an “immediate inspection” of the dormitories at Laurel Park where backstretch workers live.
Baltimore Del. Nick Mosby released photos today that he said show the “slum-like” conditions for backstretch workers at Laurel Park and illustrate the track’s owners, The Stronach Group, prioritize “horses over humans.”
He called for the withdrawal of paired bills that would authorize $120 million in state bonds to turn Laurel Park into a “super track,” a project that would ultimately move the Preakness Stakes from Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, and said the state should withhold any subsidies until Stronach improves the conditions for the grooms, exercise riders, hotwalkers and workers who live along the backstretch.
Last Saturday’s Maryland Million, a day of stakes races at Laurel Park featuring the progeny of in-state stallions, saw a 30 percent increase in wagering, and for the first time since 2007, the overall betting handle surpassed $5 million, the Maryland Jockey Club announced.
The luck of the Irish will be strong at Laurel Park on Saturday, March 12, when the park hosts its annual St. Paddy’s Day Pig Roast.
The party, organized by the Maryland Jockey Club, runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with the first post time at 1:10 p.m. Throughout the day, there will be fantastic thoroughbred racing, including the $75,000 Caesar’s Wish Stakes and the $75,000 Private Terms Stakes.
Between Under Armour founder Kevin Plank and Orioles owner Peter Angelos, the celebrity list of Maryland racehorse owners already had a lot of punch. But it appears there’s still room for other winners used to being on the podium.
