Heavy rains force Laurel Park to cancel half of Thursday card

A severe thunderstorm bringing heavy rain and lightning through the area forced Laurel Park to cancel the remaining five races on Thursday’s 10-race card.

The storm moved in as horses were being saddled for the sixth race. After waiting several minutes in the paddock for the weather to pass, the decision was made to cancel.

“The safety of our patrons, as well as our horses and horsemen, is our main priority,” Maryland Jockey Club President and General Manager Sal Sinatra said. “With the lightning, thunderstorms and heavy rain in the area, we felt it was in everyone’s bests interests to cancel the remainder of the card.”

Live racing returns to Laurel with a 10-race program Friday, May 3. First race post time is 1:10 p.m.