Etc. . . .

Laurel Park's new turf course will open for training on Wednesday following a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Maryland Jockey Club's chief operating officer, Lou Raffetto, and its racing secretary, Georganne Hale. The course has been expanded from 75 to 142 feet wide, allowing the inner rail to be set at six different positions and permitting officials to card up to four turf races a day when the fall meet opens Sept. 7. . . . The Thoroughbred Racing Associations' board of directors has elected Christopher Dragone and Sal Sinatra as new board members. Dragone is general manager of Portland Meadows, and Sinatra is the racing secretary for Atlantic City Racecourse. . . . Jockey James "Chris" Herrell broke his collarbone when he was knocked from his horse at the start of Sunday's second race at River Downs. Herrell ranks seventh in the River standings.