Business
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.
Jena Antonucci wins “Big Sport of Turfdom” award
Jena Antonucci, trainer of Belmont-Travers winner Arcangelo, will receive the Turf Publicists of America’s Big Sport of Turfdom Award.
Laurel Park winter stakes schedule announced
Laurel Park today announced its winter stakes schedule, pending agreement of the state horsemen’s group. The slate is topped by two Grade 3 races.
TAA awarding $3.8 million in aftercare grants
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will deliver nearly $4 million worth of grants to aftercare organizations for 2023.
NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll: Country Grammer to lead
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association today released its weekly Top Thoroughbred Poll with a new top overall runner.
Charles Town to pay out Pick 6 April 1
Charles Town Races will have a mandatory payout of its Jackpot Pick 6 on Friday, April 1, the track announced.
Art of Racing winner named
MICA student Theresia Zhang was chosen as winner of The Art of Racing contest, her artwork chosen among 147 entered.
MATCH Series to kick off April 16
The MATCH Series will return this year, kicking off April 16, featuring four divisions and four racetracks.
Baffert request for delay of suspension denied
Trainer Bob Baffert’s request to have his 90-day suspension delayed until appeals are resolved has been denied by a Kentucky court.
Dr. Fred Lewis, owner and breeder, passes
Dr. Fred Lewis, longtime Maryland breeder and owner whose stakes winners included Katie’s Love and Celtic Katie, died March 13 at 95.
The week in social media: Jan. 8
Two Maryland-breds head to the Pegasus World Cup, a training legend retires, and more, in the week in social media.
Colonial Downs expands gaming network
The Colonial Downs Group held a ribbon-cutting January 8 to announce the opening of a new OTB and gaming emporium in Dumfries, VA.
Wagering handle flat despite fewer racedays
Though the pandemic led to many fewer racedays in 2020 than in 2019, national wagering handle held steady – though what that means is open to debate.
The week in social media: Dec. 31
Talking Pimlico and Laurel renovations, another stakes win for Harpers First Ride, and more, in the week in social media.
Parx: Keith Jones calls final race
Parx Racing track announcer Keith Jones called his final card Wednesday, ending a 34-year run behind the microphone in Bensalem.
Penn National Racing to continue despite casino closure
Though Pennsylvania casinos are closed, racing at Penn National should be able to continue through January, the horsemen’s chief said.
“No regrets” as CT steward Danny Wright retires
Charles Town chief steward Danny Wright retired Dec. 19, ending a 50-year career that saw him win 12 graded stakes as a jockey before years in the stand.
Pimlico-Laurel redo project kicking to life
One of these years, Maryland racing will find a shiny new Pimlico under its Christmas tree. But it’s going to take a while.
Horseracing Integrity bill becomes law
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, rolled into the omnibus Covid relief/government spending bill, became law with President Trump’s signature Sunday.
