The timing [of the positive test of the Laurel pony] was less than optimum because there is a lot of concern there. This is the first known development around the local track. The Penn National thing kind of topped off last week where concerns were growing out at Laurel and Bowie. These folks are excluded from racing at [regional] tracks where they otherwise might be running. Laurel is the only place they can run. People feel under siege.

Lifting the last remaining hold order at Pimlico is a positive that things are coming to a close there. We will continue working with all parties involved to monitor the situation and bring it to a conclusion. We thank the owners, trainers, and staff for their diligence in practicing prudent bio-security measures and their patience as we work through this science-based process that will make sure the remaining horses test negative before they will be released from the detention barn.

Conditions at Pimlico and Laurel continue to progress in a positive manner. Today's news at Bowie does not change our plans to try to clear Barn 5 at Pimlico next week after test results are returned.

We can't really say more about it than that it does not appear to have been a herpes case, but we cannot exclude herpes as a cause so we are treating that as a suspect.

This new occurrence is extremely unfortunate and we are working closely with everyone involved and using the best science available in the equine research community to prevent any possible spread of illness. It is believed that this incident is not a distinctly new case. We encourage horse owners with concerns to contact their private veterinarian to determine if a vaccination or booster is recommended for their horses at this time.

It's all a matter of letting Mother Nature do her work. Progress is being made and there is strong reason to maintain a positive outlook. It is just not going as quickly as anyone would like.