Racing won't return to Laurel Park until after the new year because workers rebuilding the racing surfaces have encountered weather delays and continue to address foundation problems.
Jim Gagliano, executive vice president of racing operations for the Maryland Jockey Club, said yesterday that the dirt track could open for training Dec. 20, and then, after at least two weeks of horses training on it, Laurel could reopen for racing in January. However, he said, dates won't be finalized until a final inspection of the racing surface takes place next Wednesday.
The most recent tentative date for reopening had been Dec. 26. The project was originally to have been completed in September.