“We’ve seen everything this winter,” Sinatra Says

LAUREL, MD., 03/06/15 --- Laurel Park cancelled its live program Friday, March 6 after a winter snowstorm passed through Thursday sending temperatures to record lows and dropping six inches of snow in the area.

“It’s been a tough winter,” said Maryland Jockey Club General Manager Sal Sinatra after cancelling Laurel’s seventh day of live racing since Feb. 19. Laurel remains open for simulcast wagering Friday.

The good news is temperatures are expected to start rising Friday afternoon and the forecast is for a sunny and clear weekend with temperatures in the upper 40s. Sinatra can’t wait.

“We’ve seen everything this winter,” he said. “There’s been freeze, thaw, ice, unsafe conditions. Today we’re trying to clear the track from snow. We haven’t had the water truck on the track since the middle of November. I asked the driver if he’s checked to see if it still runs.”

Laurel returns to live racing Saturday with a Pick 5 jackpot carryover of $29,500 and a 12:30 first race post.