The Maryland Racing Commission approved racing dates for Laurel Park’s
2006 winter meet on Tuesday. Live racing at Laurel Park is scheduled for 75
days, from January 1, 2006,
to April 15.
A total of 19 stakes worth almost $2 million will be featured during the
meet. The February 18 Barbara Fritchie H. (G2) and February 20 General George H.
(G2) highlight the stakes schedule and will receive purse increases from
$200,000 to $300,000 each.
For 2006, a 180-day schedule has been agreed up on by the Maryland Jockey
Club, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Horse Breeders
Association, with exact dates to be determined at a later date.
The spring meeting will begin the week of April 17 at Pimlico, with much of
the attention being focused on the 131st running of the Preakness S. (G1) on May
20.