Md. horse industry plan calls for “one voice” approach

Plan encourages putting Pimlico project front and center

“Today, our state established a clear path for the continued success of Maryland’s horse industry by uniting all facets of the community through one shared vision,” Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement. “Maryland’s horse industry is a powerful symbol of the state’s heritage, agriculture, and economy.”

For the Thoroughbred industry, that approach begins with the new Pimlico.

“The Committee affirmatively declared the need for industry to express ‘one voice’ position in unwavering support of the Pimlico redevelopment project and the state’s acquisition of the Preakness intellectual property,” the report states.

The committee describes the redevelopment of Pimlico and the proposed Laurel Park training center as valuable to the state and industry. It recommends coordinated messaging about Pimlico’s benefits to the larger horse economy and its surrounding Park Heights community, along with the training center’s impact on surrounding counties.

“The Committee identified the Pimlico redevelopment project as an extraordinary opportunity to generate new interest in horse racing and create growth opportunities that extend beyond racing,” the report says.

The document, however, provides little additional information on the cost, timetable or operating structure of either project. It does not address Maryland’s future racing calendar, purse levels or the financial performance of the state’s racing operation.

Beyond Pimlico, one of the most consequential Thoroughbred recommendations would expand the Racing Commission’s involvement in equine welfare. The committee calls for a pilot program to follow horses from racing through retirement and subsequent placement.

“Tracking horses from active racing through retirement and post-racing placement would provide critical information on outcomes, identify deficiencies in the state’s aftercare infrastructure, and support the development of a comprehensive, data-driven strategy,” the report says.

The Commission also could inherit the Maryland Horse Industry Board’s commercial-stable licensing responsibilities. The report recommends that the departments of Agriculture and Labor form a workgroup to consider that transfer, citing the commission’s licensing staff and infrastructure.

The Horse Industry Board would remain in place and receive two additional employees. One would oversee industry-wide marketing and communications; the other would focus on programs and regulatory responsibilities.

Paying for that expansion could directly affect owners and farms. The report proposes considering increases to the state’s $6-per-ton horse-feed assessment and $125 annual commercial-stable license fee.

It also recommends applying Maryland’s 6% sales tax to all horses bought at public auctions in the state, including those immediately shipped elsewhere, which currently are exempt from the state sales tax. At least one percentage point would be directed to the Horse Industry Board.

“As a parity matter, all buyers who purchase Maryland horses at all public auction sales should pay the 6% state sales tax, regardless of whether the horse is kept in state or shipped out of state,” the report says.

Given the strength, in particular, of the Fasig-Tipton two-year-old sale in Timonium, which generated nearly $53 million in gross sales this past May, that change could be significant.

The plan also targets the land base supporting Maryland breeding. It asks the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation to consider lowering its minimum easement requirement for horse farms from 50 acres to 25, clarifying which equine businesses qualify and giving appropriate priority to horse farms seeking preservation agreements.

“The broader strategic point is that breeding should not be discussed only as a racing input,” the report says. “It is also a land-based agricultural activity, a source of jobs and investment, and a central part of Maryland’s equine identity.”

Other recommendations include transferable or saleable land-preservation tax credits, stable conservation funding and expanded training for grooms, exercise riders, breeding assistants and other workers.

The committee also proposes veterinary scholarships, externships and possible loan-repayment incentives, along with greater public reporting on equine health and welfare.

Most recommendations are not binding and carry no firm deadlines. Many require legislation, appropriations, rulemaking or additional study. Their importance will depend on which proposals the administration and General Assembly advance—and whether they attach funding and accountability to the plan’s broad ambitions.

The Maryland Jockey Club expressed support for the plan.

“Maryland’s horse industry has always been bigger than any one track, farm, or discipline, and this plan reflects that,” said Bill Knauf, President and General Manager of TMJC. “We thank Governor Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, Secretary Atticks, and the members of the Strategic Planning Committee for bringing every sector to the table. The Maryland Jockey Club is ready to help turn this shared vision into results as we look forward to a new Pimlico, a training center at Laurel, and a racing future at Fair Hill.”

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