Statement from Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinarian for 1/ST Racing
LAUREL, Md.—Maryland Jockey Club was informed Thursday 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 Park 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.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.
MHTA Hosts Webinar With Horsemen To Discuss Ongoing EHV-1 Situation
MTHA will host a Webinar via ZOOM with Maryland Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian Dr. Michael Odian and Stronach Group Senior Veterinarian Dionne Benson to review the ongoing EHV-1 situation at Laurel Park.
All Maryland horsemen are invited to participate in a question and answer session as time permits.
Trainers stabled at Laurel Park and Pimlico and attending veterinarians are strongly encouraged to attend.
Meeting will take place via ZOOM webinar conference on:
Friday, March 25 at 11am
To join, you must register in advance at:
Once registration is complete, join-in credentials will be emailed to you.
Laurel Park Press Release
Photo: Laurel Park (Maryland Jockey Club)
