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Maryland Million runs today
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Related Topics: LAUREL, Md.
LAUREL, Md. (Map, News) - When it comes to Maryland horse racing, only one event in the state can trump the Maryland MIllion at Laurel Park today at 12:15 p.m.
The 22nd edition of the event that trails only the Preakness Stakes in terms of significance and popularity, will feature 120 entrants to the 12-race program designed for offspring of Maryland sires.
The feature race of the day is $300,000 Maryland Million Classic, which originally featured 10 horses, including defending champion Due and 2005 winner Play Bingo. But the race suffered a major setback Friday when it was announced Play Bingo, which won the race with a last-to-first effort two years ago, will not start in Saturday because of a quarter crack outside of his left hind leg.
Owner/trainer John “Doc” Fisher discovered the injury Tuesday morning just before the 6-year-old gelding was going to work at the Fair Hill Training Center.
“I couldn’t take the chance,” Fisher said. “I really liked him in the race. We got what we wanted from the prep race and with [Ryan] Fogelsonger back on him we had plenty of confidence. But luckily we’ll be able to run another day.”
Other early scratches from the 12-race card are Happy Hailey and Twisted Whisker from the $150,000 Lassie and At Depole in the $30,000 Sprint Starter Handicap. Those scratches will not be official until Saturday morning.
Introduced in 1986, the Maryland Million is a program of races designed specifically for the offspring of Maryland-based stallions. The concept has since been duplicated by 20 other states. Maryland-sired thoroughbreds are nominated before they become 2-year-olds and remain eligible for life to run in the Maryland Million races.
Legendary television broadcaster Jim McKay came up with the original Maryland Million concept and is still the chairman of the board. Since its inception, 192 stallions have been represented in Maryland Million races.
