Midlandtic News Recap: Laurel sends Gonzalez away
The Biz- December 24, 2025
As we approach the holidays, the racing news doesn’t stop. Here are some news items, including an eviction, a special permit and a celebration, along with the upcoming deployment schedule.
This is what happens.
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SANTA’S SPECIAL REINDEER PERMIT
According to Country Zest and Style MagazineVirginia veterinarians have coordinated entry permits for Santa’s nine reindeer so they can fly across the Commonwealth on Christmas Eve.
“Magical animals require magical veterinary paperwork,” the magazine explained.
It looks like Santa will be going smoothly, at least in Virginia, this 24e of December.
CLAUDIO GONZALEZ REMOVED FROM LAUREL
Trainer Claudio Gonzalez got coal in his stocking.
Gonzalez, Maryland’s top trainer for six years in a row, has been banned from the Laurel Park grounds by the Maryland Jockey Club after one of his former trainees was reportedly found in a kill pen.
He “violated the rules of the Maryland Jockey Club,” according to a statement from TMJC, which did not elaborate.
The TMJC ruling is a track decision and not a ruling by the state stewards, so it does not have to be adhered to by other racetracks. Gonzalez has not started a horse since December 14.
Head of Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue Bev Strauss said The Paulick Report that the horse was rescued in danger, along with four other former Gonzalez runners who were in “questionable” conditions.
Gonzalez denied wrongdoing. “I have the deed for myself, and I have the deed for Laurel Park,” he said. “It’s not like I sent them. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
DELAWARE PARK CELEBRATES SLOTS
Delaware Park is celebrating its 30th anniversarye anniversary of slot machine games in the First State.
Slots have, among other things, allowed Thoroughbred racing to flourish in Delaware. The circuit was even closed for a number of years in the 1980s because it faced stiff competition. The Delaware Handicap, the signature race, took place at Saratoga from 1983-1986.
Slot machine play began on December 29, 1995 in Delaware. In addition to the typical features of the Delaware Handicap (G3) and Delaware Oaks (G3), the Delaware Derby ran for the first time this year. The $200,000 competition for three-year-olds went to Admiral Dennis and co-headlined a day that raised a record-breaking $6.4 million.
More information about upcoming events can be found at the Delaware Park website.
UPCOMING STAKE SCHEDULE
December 27
| Track | Bet name | Bag | Division | Distance |
| Laurel Park | Gin Talking S. | $100,000 | 2 year old fillies | 7 furlongs |
| Laurel Park | Heft S. | $100,000 | 2 years | 7 furlongs |
December 30
| Track | Bet name | Bag | Rank/disability | Division | Distance |
| Parx Racing | Miss Behavior | $75,000 | PA bred and PA sire | 2 year old fillies | 6 furlongs |
| Parx Racing | Parx future stars | $75,000 | 2 years | 7 furlongs | |
| Parx Racing | Parx Future Stars foals | $75,000 | 2 year old fillies | 7 furlongs | |
| Parx Racing | Wait for it | $75,000 | PA bred and PA sire | 2 years | 6 furlongs |
December 31st
| Track | Bet name | Bag | Division | Distance |
| Parx Racing | Blitzen handicap | $75,000 | 3 years and older | 7 furlongs |
| Parx Racing | Kris Kringle Handicap | $75,000 | 3 years and older | 1 1/16 miles |
| Parx Racing | Mrs. Claus Disability | $75,000 | F&M 3 and above | 7 furlongs |
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