Laurel Park cancels Thursday card due to winter storm

Laurel Park canceled its Thursday card as the horses were preparing to load into the gate for race 1.

The winter storm coming north up the coast resulted in a wintry mix of precipitation and turned the Laurel track muddy. The temperature was 37 degrees.

Sal Sinatra, president of the Maryland Jockey Club, said the freezing rain and sleet had switched to rain before the horses were brought to the paddock, and it looked as if the track would be able to race. But after the horses left the paddock, the rain switched back to sleet.

"There was sleet starting to pile up on the horses during the warm-up," Sinatra said. "The riders became uncomfortable with the situation and had an outrider relay their concerns. We thought it was best to cancel."

All wagers were refunded.

Sinatra was confident that Laurel would be able to race Friday.

Charles Town and Penn National canceled their Thursday night races due to the storm.

:: Want to get the latest news with your past performances? Try DRF’s new digital PPs