Business
Fasig-Tipton shifts May sale schedule
Fasig-Tipton’s upcoming two-year-old sale will conclude its under-tack show today as gallop-only, and all horses will sell Tuesday.
Maryland racing stakeholders nervously eye the future
The starting gate issues that plagued Pimlico’s opening weekend felt eerily symbolic to some Maryland racing stakeholders.
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.
Maryland Jockey Club names new director of racing surfaces
The new Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) announced Feb. 21 that it has hired John Banno as Director of Racing Surfaces.
HISA cites record-low rate of equine fatalities
The rate of equine fatality dropped below one per 1,000 starts at HISA-governed tracks in 2024, according to HISA, the lowest rate recorded.
Parx Racing adds Feb. 27 to live schedule
Parx Racing will add Thursday, Feb. 27 to its racing schedule to make up for days lost to the winter weather.
Charles Town cancels Feb. 20 card
With bitter cold in the forecast, Charles Town Races has canceled its scheduled live racing card for Thursday, Feb. 20.
Charles Town releases 2025 stakes schedule
Charles Town’s 2025 stakes schedule, which closely mirrors its 2024 calendar, kicks off April 12, with the track’s biggest day set for Aug. 22.
Initiative launched to protect live racing in Florida, elsewhere
With racing in Florida potentially imperiled by “decoupling” legislation, industry leaders there have launched an initiative to protect it there and elsewhere.
Rodney Jenkins celebration to be Jan. 14
A celebration of trainer Rodney Jenkins’ life, postponed because of the weather, will take place Jan. 14 at Laurel Park.
Spikezone named HBPA Claiming Horse of the Year
Spikezone, who overcame two knee surgeries to go 11-for-14 as a 5-year-old, has been named the HBPA Claiming Horse of the Year.
Colonial Downs announces Va. Derby ticket options
Colonial Downs has announced ticket options and prices for Virginia Derby day, with the Derby, now a Kentucky Derby points race, to be Mar. 15.
Charles Town cancels Wednesday, Thursday cards
With bitter cold in the forecast, Charles Town has canceled its live racing cards for Wednesday, January 8 and Thursday, January 9.
Chris Merz to head Maryland Racing Commission
Former Maryland Jockey Club racing secretary Chris Merz will be the new executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission.
Handle slumps in December as 2024 lags prior year
US wagering handle on Thoroughbred races plummeted 14% in December, as the industry suffered through another down year.
Mike Hopkins steps down after 40 years at Md. Racing Commission
Maryland Racing Commission executive director Mike Hopkins will retire after today, ending a career that spanned 40 years and many industry changes.
Jockey Club bars 12 from stud book access
The ruling announced by The Jockey Club bans 12 individuals from registering Thoroughbred foals for periods up to five years.
Maryland Racing Commission OKs new TMJC as track operator
The Maryland Racing Commission on Dec. 23 signed off on the new nonprofit Maryland Jockey Club to operate Laurel Park in the new year.
