Horse racing at Laurel Park could resume Saturday after consultant says dirt surface will be ‘safe enough’

Horse racing at Laurel Park could resume Saturday after a consultant hired by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association found only modest problems with the track’s dirt surface during his inspection Wednesday morning. The track, which has been closed to racing since two horses suffered fatal injuries last Thursday, will reopen for full training Thursday morning. If feedback from trainers and jockeys is positive after morning workouts, plans for Saturday racing likely will proceed, said Tim Keefe, president of the horsemen’s association.