LAUREL, MD – The Maryland Jockey Club announced today a 15-percent increase in overnight purses at Pimlico Race Course effective Friday, July 2.

The Maryland Jockey Club has extended the Pimlico Meet through August 22 while the main track at Laurel Park is resurfaced.

While upcoming stakes will not be affected, conditions impacted by the purse increase will include maiden special weight races, where purses will be enhanced to $46,000, open allowance, where purses will climb to $63,250, and an increase of more than $7,000 for three other than or $50,000.

“We truly appreciate the participation of all the horsemen these last few months and their understanding of the work being done to the main track and the backstretch at Laurel Park,” said Aidan Butler, COO of 1/ST RACING. “We also appreciate our fans who have watched and wagered on the races at Laurel, Pimlico, virtually and at our OTB’s. We’re looking forward to the next several weeks at Pimlico before returning to Laurel later this summer.”

First race post for Friday’s eight-race program at Pimlico is 12:40 p.m.