Less Money at Laurel this Fall

Last month, the Maryland Jockey Club and Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association announced that they were going to reduce purses and cut the stakes schedule for the remainder of the 2007, as the industry faces a $3 million shortfall in this years purse account. Today, the Maryland Racing Commission approved the fall stakes schedule for Laurel Park with 11 less stakes races and about $1.5 million less in purses. In addition, the Maryland Horse Breeders' Association decided to stop paying bonuses to Maryland-breds that win in open stakes.

The changes are as follows:

--The cancellation of 11 stakes: Charles Hadry, Gala Lil, Martha Washington, Japan Racing Association, Kattegat's Pride, Anne Arundel, Laurel Turf Cup, April Run, Stefanita, Toddler, and Steward Mitchell.

--Reduction on the purses of 16 other stakes: Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash, John Schapiro, Sonny Hine, Dave¹s Friend, Mr. Diz, Deputed Testamony, Gin Talking, Oliver's Twist, Find Handicap, All Brandy, Northern Dancer, Jennings Handicap, Geisha, Squan Song, Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship, and Maryland Juvenile Championship.

When you reduce purses for a Grade I, and cut black type races from the schedule, you are not going to have trainers knocking down the door for stalls. If you think this is bad, wait until 2008!