The De Francis Dash and Laurel Futurity were once among the nation’s most important races. That’s no longer the case — but you wouldn’t know that from the winners’ reactions on Saturday.
After 103 days, racing is set to return to Maryland’s Laurel Park. And for the state’s horsemen, that means optimism is in season.
Negotiators for breeders and horsemen have hammered out an accord that will boost purses for Maryland-bred horses — and, perhaps, revitalize the breeding industry.
J.D. Brown likes stories where success comes from unexpected places. As the agent for filly star Dance to Bristol’s rider, Xavier Perez, Brown is living just such a story — and hoping the ride continues.
The Maryland Racing Commission will delay implementation of a rule allowing claims to be voided. It will not be in effect for the Timonium meet — and may not be ready for the start of the Laurel fall meet.
Michael Aro trains 14 horses. Martin Scafidi owns one. Fortunately for both, that one is Winning Image, who won her fourth consecutive stakes on Saturday at Delaware..
Royal Delta crushed the Delaware Handicap field — and she did it without Lasix. Trainer Bill Mott said he would likely run her off Lasix again.
The Twitterverse may not have a character to spare for the Delaware Handicap, but racing’s history books — and Eclipse records — pay close attention.
The Maryland Racing Commission today gave conditional approval to a rule that would void claims of horses who suffer catastrophic breakdowns — another step, it said, to protect horse safety.
The big guys did fine on Virginia Derby day, but the Virginia Oaks belonged to a first-time stake winner and first-time graded stake winner.