Pimlico placed under quarantine

Pimlico Race Course has been placed under quarantine until further notice due

to the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) situation at the Baltimore track, the Maryland

Jockey Club announced Saturday.

Since the beginning of the year, 11 horses have shown signs of the virus

causing the Maryland Department of Agriculture to place an "Investigational Hold

Order" on three barns. Two horses tested positive for the virus and were

euthanized. Eight horses from Barns 5 and 6 are currently in isolation in the

Detention Barn. A ninth displayed symptoms Thursday morning in Barn A. The

virus, which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological

disease.

"This is a precautionary measure," Maryland Jockey Club Chief Operating

Officer Lou Raffetto said. "It is in our best interest to restrict the movement

in and out of Pimlico until we see the outcome of the tests on the horse in Barn

A."

Nearly 500 horses are currently stabled at Pimlico, including nearly 110

affected by the Hold Orders. Horses from Barns A, 5 and 6 will continue to train

from 10-11:30 a.m. (EST). The other horses based at Pimlico train from 5:30-9:30

a.m.

Live racing in the state is currently being conducted at Pimlico's sister

track, Laurel Park. The Pimlico spring meet is scheduled to begin in mid-April.