New protocols for claimed horses take effect at Laurel Park Feb. 12

The updated “void claim” regulation and related procedures to be followed after a horse is claimed will take effect at Laurel Park Friday, Feb. 12.

The Maryland Racing Commission approved the regulation in early December with emergency status to speed up the adoption process. The regulation is part of an ongoing effort in Maryland and neighboring states to increase the focus on equine health, safety and welfare.

The MRC already had a regulation which states that "a claim is voidable at the sole direction of the new owner, for a period of one hour after a race is made official, for any horse that is vanned off the track after the race at the discretion of the State Veterinarian." The updated language adds that a claim can be voided, for a period of one hour after a race is made official, if a horse "is sent to the Detention Barn and observed to be lame by the State Veterinarian."