Laurel Park cancels Friday card following EHV-1 outbreak

Friday's card at Laurel Park has been canceled and travel restrictions have been put in place for horses stabled at both Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course in Maryland after an outbreak of equine herpesvirus at Laurel Park.

From the Maryland Jockey Club:

"The Maryland Jockey Club has canceled Friday’s nine-race program at Laurel Park due to a number of horses entered now under quarantine after a symptomatic horse at the track tested positive for the equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1).

"Friday’s national wager the Stronach 5, which was to feature two races from Laurel and a carryover of $154,931, has been postponed to March 19.

"The Maryland Jockey Club will look to have the remaining horses on Friday’s program fill live racing programs on Saturday and Sunday.

Horsemen were first alerted of the travel ban for horses stabled at Laurel Park and Pimlico on Tuesday afternoon. One trainer, who wished to not be identified, told HRN he was told one horse on the grounds had been positive for EHV-1. 

“EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: No horses are allowed to ship out of Laurel or Pimlico, with the exception of Pimlico horses entered to run at Laurel.” 

A follow-up notice confirmed Friday's program had been canceled. 

"Friday, March 12 racing card has been cancelled due to the EHV-1 infection of multiple barns on the backside. 

"Unfortunately we will not be running this Friday @LaurelPark."

Officials with the MJC could not be reached Tuesday afternoon for comment.

EHV-1 is a potentially fatal disease. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, equine herpesvirus-1 can cause abortion, respiratory disease and neurologic disease, which can result in paralysis or death.