Laurel Park gets influx of new trainers

Maryland horse racing may be on shaky ground, but Laurel Park in winter is still appealing to a number of trainers from outside the state.

With the 48-day winter meet set to begin at Laurel Park on Jan. 4, and the weather growing colder up north, Laurel appears to be a popular haven.

Twenty-five new trainers have brought their horses here, which is more than in years past.

"The New England boys have been coming here for years, after their tracks' seasons end," Maryland Jockey Club racing secretary Georganne Hale said. "Plus, with Delaware's backstretch closing this year, I'm getting some Delaware guys now. And, my purses aren't horrible. They've improved some [with the slots money]."