
Business

Penn Mile to be delayed another week
The Grade 3 Penn Mile, originally scheduled for May 30 but pushed back for three weeks, now will be delayed to June 27 because of weather issues.

DRF Bets acquired by 1/ST
1/ST, former owners of Laurel and Pimlico and current owners of Xpressbet and 1/ST Bet, has acquired DRF Bets, the companies announced.
April wagering handle lags 2024 number
April saw wagering handle on US races that was more than 5% below the April 2024 mark, as the industry continues to scuffle.
First horses arrive as Monmouth Park stable opens
With its 50-day meet kicking off May 10, Monmouth Park’s stable area welcomed the first horses Saturday morning.
Frustrations laid bare at MTROA meeting
In its first public meeting since the state legislature voted for its demise, members of Maryland’s MTROA sparred as frustrations were laid bare.
Maryland OTBs push for historical horse racing machines
Saying that OTBs are a “failing industry” and retail sports betting a failure, too, Maryland OTBs are pushing for historical horse racing machines.
Virginia Derby field taking shape
The field for the March 15 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, offering 50 Kentucky Derby points to the winner, is starting to take shape.
National wagering down in February
Wagering on U.S. races fell 8% in February versus the prior year, as the racing industry continues to struggle amid a changing landscape.
Jockey Club offers breeders new info service
The new service provided by The Jockey Club will provide breeders a complimentary updated race record for Thoroughbreds foaled in 2025 and later.
Maryland modifies Pick 5 configuration
The Maryland Racing Commission today approved both the early and late Pick 5 wagers having carryover potential.
Documentary focuses on improbable Smarty Jones journey
With Smarty Jones now a finalist for the national racing Hall of Fame, a free documentary chronicles his improbable tale.
Charles Town cancels Jan. 22 card
Predicted frigid temperatures have prompted Charles Town Races to cancel its live racing card for Jan. 22.
Rosecroft announcer Pete Medhurst passes away
Pete Medhurst, longtime track announcer at Rosecroft Raceway, passed away Monday after a battle with brain cancer.
Jockeys’ Guild elects officers
At its annual assembly Jan. 14, the Jockeys’ Guild elected new officers and senators, heard updates, and participated in discussions.
Parx Racing cancels Jan. 21 card
In the face of bitter cold, Parx Racing has canceled its live racing card for Tuesday, January 21, the track announced.
Laurel Park cancels Jan. 19 live card
With significant snow in the forecast, Laurel Park canceled its scheduled live card for Sunday, January 19.
HISA reinstates jockey Paco Lopez
Paco Lopez has the green light from HISA to resume riding, the organization said, following a suspension for his actions following a Dec. 4 race.
Great Notion’s big year tops Midlantic sires
Great Notion became the first Maryland sire in more than 15 years with over $6 million in progreny earnings in 2024, easily leading the Midlantic roster.
Laurel Park kicks off new era Friday
Maryland racing’s brave new world arrives Friday at Laurel Park, and while much will appear similar, most people likely will focus on what’s different.
Colonial Downs spring condition book released
The condition book for Colonial Downs’s brief March meet, featuring the Virginia Derby and Oaks, is now available online.