Dirt surface, turf course at Laurel focus of meeting

The Maryland Jockey Club and horsemen Nov. 10 discussed ways to improve communication and encourage constructive feedback related to questions and general information regarding the dirt track and turf course at Laurel Park.

MJC Track Superintendent Chris Bosley and Erik Dittmar, recently named MTC Turf Superintendent, provided updates during a Zoom meeting hosted by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. The MTHA has held similar meetings in the past and plans to have them regularly given the possible impact of winter weather on the reconstructed dirt track that was first used in late August.

Bosley said the cushion of the dirt track has higher silt and clay content than the old surface, which is probably contributing to quick workout times during morning training. He said the plan was to start out with “richer material” so it would have a period topack toward the base. The surface, he said, will lose some silt and clay during the winter months, so it was best to add it at the outset.