
Business

Smarty Jones leads new Hall of Fame inductees
Pennsylvania-bred Smarty Jones heads up the list of seven inductees to the national racing Hall of Fame.

Colonial: Claiming Crown preview set for Aug. 21
Colonial Downs will for the first time host a Claiming Crown Preview day on Aug. 21 featuring eight races run under starter allowance conditions.
Journalism tabbed as Preakness future wager favorite
Journalism, the likely favorite in the Kentucky Derby, is the 8-1 morning line favorite in the Preakness future wager, which opens April 25-May 3.
HISA issues equine health advisory
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has issued an equine health advisory regarding fatal proximal forelimb fractures.
Laurel: “Preakness Preview Day” handle robust
Laurel’s “Preakness Preview Day” wagering handle was nearly double its best day of 2025 to date.
Charles Town to race April 23
After losing most of two cards to weather last weekend, Charles Town Races will run an additional night of live racing April 23.
MTHA endorses change to claiming price rule
The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) on Wednesday endorsed a less restrictive claiming rule than currently in place.
Preak Weeks return to help Baltimore businesses
1/ST and The Maryland Jockey Club announced the return of its Preak Weeks initiative to spotlight Baltimore businesses.
Colonial Downs unveils condition book, stakes sked
An expanded live racing schedule, featuring higher overnight purses and more stakes races, are on tap at Colonial Downs this summer.
OwnerView webinar focuses on owner relations
The second installment in the 2025 OwnerView webinar series discussed the efforts racetrack executives make to ensure they are keeping “Owners First.”
Jill Byrne tabbed as new VTA executive director
Jill Byrne will take the reins as the new executive director of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, representing breeders.
Md. Racing Commission OKs Maryland-Virginia stakes
The Maryland Racing Commission signed off on a controversial proposal to blend Maryland-restricted and Virginia-restricted stakes Wednesday.
Maryland to spike Racetrack Operating Authority
Maryland budget negotiators on Friday unexpectedly decided to sunset the state’s Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.
Colonial Downs to host Claiming Crown qualifying day
Colonial Downs will host an August day of racing in which the races are automatic qualifying races for November’s Claiming Crown.
Nationwide wagering handle down 4% in March
Handle was down 4% in March versus the prior year and is off by more than 3% during the year to date, according to Equibase.
Laurel Park to delay turf season launch at least a week
Laurel Park will not take entries for turf races next weekend as originally scheduled because of wet, cold weather, track officials said.
Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation announces 2025 funding
More than $2.6 million in Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation funding will support 16 new and 10 continuing projects.
National Thoroughbred League to head to Pimlico, Parx
The National Thoroughbred League will bring its “horse team” concept to Pimlico the week before the Preakness and then to Parx.
Laurel Park alters condition book
Laurel Park will resume carding lower-level claiming races and introduce a new Maryland-bred or -sired maiden race effective in May.
Global stallions app adds new feature
The Blood-Horse’s global stallions app has added a new comparison tool, the company announced.