by Ed DeRosa

The Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G1) will return to Laurel Park’s fall meet after a one-year hiatus.

The Maryland Jockey Club cancelled the race last year to distribute the money to overnight purses but reached an agreement with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association to conduct the race during the 57-day fall meet that runs from September 12 to December 19.

This year’s De Francis Dash will take place on October 24 as part of a three-stakes card. The six-furlong race on dirt could serve as a final prep for the Sentient Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) on November 7 at Santa Anita Park.

Another highlight of the fall meet will be the 24th annual Maryland Million card on September 26, a 12-race card that features nine six-figure stakes races culminating with the $200,000 Maryland Million Classic.

The Maryland Jockey Club also will conduct an 11-day summer meet from August 1 through August 23 with racing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

“Racing in August was significant to the horsemen and bringing back the De Francis Dash to headline the fall meet was just as important to us,” Maryland Jockey Club President Tom Chuckas said. “We are hopeful the Friday, Saturday, Sunday format in August, coupled with our first-class turf course, will breathe life into the mini meet.”

Ed DeRosa is news editor of THOROUGHBRED TIMES