Fravel impressed with “first class” work on Laurel Park

Whether the Breeders’ Cup will come to Laurel Park or not remains unknown.

But, said Breeders’ Cup president and chief executive officer in an interview (above) with the Stronach Group’s Acacia Courtney, “If enthusiasm is currency, we’d be here tomorrow.”

Fravel visited Laurel Park Saturday for the track’s Celebration Day, which also included five stakes and a popular Fantasy Owners Day.

Fravel refused to commit to whether Laurel would be a future Breeders’ Cup site but did allow that the Stronach Group, which owns Laurel and Pimlico, is “a great partner of ours.”

Laurel Park was turned out in its finest Saturday, with the Directors’ Room entirely redecorated and flowers everywhere one turned. When the Stronach Group does something, Fravel observed, “They do it first class.”

During his visit to Maryland, Fravel also met with state Governor Larry Hogan (R). The Governor, Fravel said, “couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the progress they’re making… here in Maryland.”