Live racing returns to Maryland after a three-month break when the Maryland State Fair at Timonium meet kicks off Aug. 26.
There will be seven days of racing through Sept. 5 at Timonium, which has a five-eighths-mile racing surface. Though usually not open for full-card simulcasts, various signals will be imported on live racing days at Timonium.
Post time opening day is noon EDT; for the other six days—Aug. 27-28 and Sept. 2-5—first post is set for 1 p.m.
Timonium officials said the trainers’ bonus will return for the 2011 meet. Points are awarded for each starter based on first-, second-, and third-place finishes.
The opening day program has nine races, including a $23,000 allowance feature and a $22,000 maiden special weight event for 2-year-old fillies. Both races will be run at four furlongs, a popular distance at Timonium.
Laurel Park, celebrating its 100th year of operation this fall, will begin its meet Sept. 9.