Inside Laurel Park's backstretch community
Grooms at Laurel Park start work before dawn, tending horses and preparing them for races — but their routines and livelihoods are at risk as the Maryland track moves toward closure.
By Ashley Neyra
LAUREL, MD — 10 years ago, José Antonio Cázares Cruz was restocking hay at Laurel Park. The purebred pony swiftly took a bite of his left ear. Cázares Cruz did not immediately realize the gushing blood that was coming from his ear but instead felt a warm sensation.