One-Time Waiver On Claiming Price Adopted For Resumption Of Racing

In light the shutdown of live racing at Laurel Park that began in mid-March, the Maryland Jockey Club and Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association have agreed on a policy designed to assist owners when racing resumes. The MTHA Board of Directors signed off on it May 1.

Under the policy, horses which have not run since March 15—the last day of racing at Laurel before the COVID-19 shutdown—may enter a claiming race and waive the claiming price if the horse is entered for a claiming price not less than the claiming price for its last start. For instance, if a horse raced for a $16,000 tag and is entered in a claiming race with a price of $16,000 or higher, the owner can opt to waive the claiming price.

The rule is only applicable for a horse’s first start back for a period of 90 days, starting with the first day live racing resumes in Maryland.