Statement from Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinarian for 1/ST Racing
Statement from Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinarian for 1/ST Racing
The Maryland Jockey Club was informed this evening by Maryland State Veterinarian Dr. Michael Odian, that a horse at Pimlico has tested positive for the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1). The horse had been isolated for 72 hours prior to the positive test.
As a result of the positive test, and as a proactive measure to protect the horse population in the state of Maryland, horses currently stabled at Pimlico will not be allowed to ship to Laurel until a full quarantine is lifted at both properties. Previously, the two properties had been quarantined as one facility. They will now be treated as two separate quarantine zones.
Because this will impact the fields for the races which were already set for this weekend, racing has been cancelled at Laurel on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend. This decision was made in conjunction with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen.
We extend our thanks the Maryland Racing Commission, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, the horsemen at the Maryland Jockey Club and our fans for their cooperation and understanding during this difficult situation.
