Laurel Park stakes schedule released

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Laurel, MD (Sports Network) - Now that an agreement has been reached that will allow thoroughbred racing to be conducted in Maryland during 2011, the Maryland Jockey Club has been able to finalize its stakes schedule for the Laurel Park winter meet.

"We couldn't focus on the stakes schedule until we had racing dates," said Maryland Jockey Club racing secretary Georganne Hale. "Having a Saturday stakes program is important because it means better horses, and people like to come out to watch them run."

The winter meeting at Laurel Park gets underway January 1 and will last for 49 programs. There will be 15 stakes races with the highlight during the President's Day weekend.

On Friday, February 19 the $150,000 Barbara Fritchie Handicap for fillies and mares at seven-furlongs will be conducted followed on President's Day by the $150,000 General George Handicap at seven-furlongs for older colts and geldings.

The Maryland Jockey Club will hold 146 days of racing at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course in 2011.

The $1 million Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, will go off at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, May 21.