LAUREL, MD. 11-26-08---Sheldon Russell, who sits atop the rider standings during the current fall meeting with 40 victories, announced that he will be moving his tack to New York for the winter. The 21-year-old finishes up at Laurel Park Friday afternoon, Nov. 28.

“I have been thinking about this for some time,” Russell said. “You rarely get these opportunities and this move will help me become a better rider.”

Last week Russell, whose promising career has been hindered by injuries, had his apprentice year extended 136 days by the Maryland Racing Commission after the rider submitted medical records substantiating racing-related injuries. Russell, who has missed time with two separate vertebrae injuries as well as a broken wrist, will now ride with the weight allowance until May 3, 2009.

On November 7, Rosie Napravnik informed the Maryland Jockey Club communications staff that she would be riding in New York for the winter. The 20-year-old begins this Saturday at Aqueduct, a month sooner than expected.

The jockey colony also lost Ryan Fogelsonger earlier this year. The 2002 Eclipse Award winning apprentice is now riding at Hawthorne after a solid meet at Presque Isle Downs.

HOLIDAY WEEK INCLUDES THANKSGIVING DAY CARD AND GUYS DAY OUT

Thanksgiving traditions: turkey dinner, NFL games and thoroughbred racing in Maryland. Laurel Park offers a special 11:05 a.m. post time Thursday with a nine-race card. The first 5,500 in attendance receive a free pumpkin or apple pie. The 21st annual give-away begins shortly after the fifth race. Another 1,800 pies will be given out at Pimlico Race Course. Free donuts with coffee or cider will also be available from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Laurel’s terrace dining room will feature a traditional, home-style Thanksgiving buffet for $22.95.

Friday will be “Guys Day Out” with free admission to Laurel Park for all men, half-priced draft beers and 11 giveaways, including a chance to win tickets to a Washington Wizards or Baltimore Orioles game.

The holiday week wraps up Saturday afternoon with a nine-race program, including the $50,000 Squan Song Stakes.