Laurel Park, in Maryland has halted racing through Sunday "as work continues to complete repairs to the track and to analyze recent equine injuries," the track said in a news release.
"While racing is suspended, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the Maryland Jockey Club are working with industry experts to analyze surface composition and maintenance procedures directed at the safest possible racing surface."
The announcement followed a Thoroughbred Daily News report that seven horses have died at the track since Nov. 6 and a total of eight have died there this fall after sustaining fractures while racing or training over Laurel's newly installed main dirt track.
The most recent death occurred in Laurel's eighth race on Sunday, according to the report, and training has been curtailed since. A portion of the surface has been dug up to allow track maintenance consultants to determine whether the track has an underlying problem.
Foreman told TDN that most of the accidents occurred in the middle of the homestretch.
Laurel Park's news release did not acknowledge horse fatalities, but said, "Until now, and through collaborative measures among industry participants, Maryland racing has experienced the lowest fatality rate in its history. The safety, health and welfare of equine athletes is the primary responsibility of all stakeholders in Maryland and must be taken seriously.
"The Maryland racing industry remains laser focused on this problem and collectively pledges to do whatever is necessary to ensure that Maryland’s historic racing industry remains world-class."
