Towson, MD — The Maryland Racing Commission on Thursday (May 28) approved a request from Casino at Ocean Downs to hold a 40-day race meet from July 6-Sept. 19.
In a submission to the MRC, Bobbi Sample, general manager of Ocean Downs, noted that “this year has been anything but typical for many industries.”
Ocean Downs and five other casinos in Maryland have been shuttered since mid-March because of COVID-19, so this year’s shortened schedule was based on available purse money and a later starting date than usual. The Ocean Downs meet usually concludes around Labor Day.
Rosecroft Raceway, which suspended live racing in mid-March because of the virus, had opened its winter/spring meet a month earlier than usual this year and planned to launch its fall meet in early October rather than mid-September.
Ocean Downs, which for the most part has raced four nights a week, in its submission requested flexibility in setting its weekly schedule and first post times. Horsemen will be notified of qualifying dates in the near future.
For all of the latest news on the resumption of racing, visit the USTA COVID-19 Resource Center.