LRL Get a new track

[hurrikane]

Was out at LRL yesterday. They have ripped up the track and are putting in a new one.

With MD racing on it's last leg this seems rather peculiar. Say they are building the best turf course in the US.

All I can figure is they are planning on slots..which doen'st seem to be happening. Anyone heard anything on this deal?

[OTM Al]

I've been wondering if this major renovation may spell the begining of the end for Pimlico ever since it was announced.

[hurrikane]

I've wondered that too OTM. Thing is LRL can't handle the crowds of the Preakness without a major build out.

Even then I'm not sure they have the real estate for the parking.

[JimG]

Just reading this board it sounds to me like Laurel is trying to become a niche turf racing track like Colonial Downs. They share racing dates now through a cooperative effort. Sounds like part of a bigger plan to me. I would guess Pimlico is on its way out.

Jim

[takeout]

Can’t remember where I saw this but I saved this much:

[snip]
Others who have followed the project said it's been beset by mistakes and design changes. Richard Hoffberger, president of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, and John Franzone, a member of the racing commission, said they believe an outside expert should be brought in. "We need a second opinion in a big way," Franzone said. "You're building a winter racetrack on a swamp. There was not the planning and forethought that should have gone into this."
Hoffberger said at this point horsemen would prefer the work be done properly, even if it takes more time.
"The question is, do they have the expertise to do this thing?" he said, referring to Magna's crews.
[snip]

Wouldn't it be a hoot if they had to get Passero back? :D

[takeout]

Laurel now aims at Dec. 26 opening
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-sp.laurel09oct09,1,989144.story?coll=bal-sports-horse

[snip]
On June 8, Joe De Francis, president and CEO of the Maryland Jockey Club, told the Maryland Racing Commission he had a "99 percent level of confidence we can get the project done on time."
[snip]


I guess he never heard that old Wilson Pickett song. ;)

[Hosshead]

Are they putting in just a new Turf track, or the Main Track too?

[hurrikane]

Both tracks are being done.

No way it gets completed by Dec. Also, I was told it will take 3 years before the turf course will be ready to run on..

[Tom]

3 years!
Hey...they could spray paint the dirt with that green paint they use on construction sites and call it the TIRT course until then!
(or the durf course):rolleyes:

[The_Knight_Sky]

Originally posted by hurrikane

I was told it will take 3 years before the turf course will be ready to run on..
It takes 3 years in Maryland for sod to take root? http://www.hoc-board.de/phpBB2/smilies/nerv/doh.gif

[hurrikane]

You got me. That is what I was told.

could be in MD it will take 3 yrs to figure out how to build a track.

My guess is Magna get's half way and says they can't finish without slots.

[winplaceshow]

Hurrikane, I'm afraid you're probably right.

Magna is doing a fine job of completing the slow death of Maryland racing begun by Joe DeFrancis over the last 10-15 years.

[takeout]

Yeah, that’s true, but Joe will always be the master. I guess that’s why they let him stay on. :rolleyes: I’m wondering if things will suddenly get better there when Joe is finally put out.

[winplaceshow]

I can only hope. Maryland racing has nowhere to go but up at this point!

[takeout]

Status of Laurel Main Track Still Uncertain for Opener
http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=25423

[snip]
The problems that continue to beset the project involve what will be the foundation of the tracks. The ground underneath the racing surface is wet, and workers have run into trouble trying to stabilize it. They have even had to dig up various sections and pour concrete and replace materials to establish what they hope will be a secure and lasting foundation.

When John Passero, the MJC's longtime track superintendent, resigned in May, Magna officials said their company, based in Canada, had the expertise to handle the job.

Richard Hoffberger, president of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, said yesterday that hindsight has proved that not to be the case.

"The design of this racetrack, as designed in Canada, was a Class A disaster," Hoffberger told the commissioners.
[snip]

[Zman179]

Photos of Laurel re-construction:

From Grandstand 1 (http://www.laurelpark.com/images/LaurelReconstruction/Laurel%20Project%2011-16-01.jpg)

From Grandstand 2 (http://www.laurelpark.com/images/LaurelReconstruction/Laurel%20Project%2011-16-02.jpg)

Track Level (http://www.laurelpark.com/images/LaurelReconstruction/Laurel%20Project%2011-16-05.jpg)

Clubhouse Turn 1 (http://www.laurelpark.com/images/LaurelReconstruction/Laurel%20Project%2011-16-06.jpg)

Clubhouse Turn 2 (http://www.laurelpark.com/images/LaurelReconstruction/Laurel%20Project%2011-16-07.jpg)