Laurel surface reconstruction remains on schedule

Plans remain on track to complete the reconstruction of the Laurel Park dirt surface by the end of July, Mike Rogers of 1/ST RACING (The Stronach Group) told the Maryland Racing Commission at its July 15 meeting.

The project began in earnest soon after the Preakness Stakes in late May. Laurel-based horses that did not seek stabling out of state were moved to Pimlico Race Course or the Maryland State Fair at Timonium.

Rogers said the massive project “seems to be on schedule,” with a target date of Aug. 6 for horses to be permitted to gallop on the new surface. The substructure is completed as is the base for three-quarters of the track, and the cushion has been laid from the top of the far turn through the homestretch. Work to rebuild the base on part of the backstretch, where the substructure required extensive repair, continues.