Business
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.
Passings: Joe Servis, Bobby Ussery
In recent days, Charles Town Hall of Famer Joe Servis, a former jockey and steward, and national Hall of Fame jockey Bobby Ussery passed away.
Wagering handle continues downward trend in October
National wagering handle continued its downward trend in October and is down nearly five percent year-over-year.
Mid-Atlantic 2024 HISA tab up 16% versus 2023
Mid-Atlantic tracks and horsemen will potentially need to contribute more than $17 million to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) in ’24.
Fasig-Tipton catalogs 18 for March digital sale
The first Fasig-Tipton Digital sale kicks off today and runs through midday March 22, and it includes 18 horses, among them a stallion season.
Wanamaker’s calendars March sale
The next Wanamaker’s online horse auction will take place March 24, with 19 horses slated to be sold.
NTRA releases Top Thoroughbred Poll
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association today released its weekly Top Thoroughbred Poll.
HISA adds to racetrack safety committee
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Board of Directors has elected Dr. Noah Cohen to its Racetrack Safety Standing Committee.
MHBA announces BackStop aftercare account
The Maryland Horse Breeders Association today announced the formation of its BackStop aftercare account for Maryland-breds.
Charles Town to boost purses by 10 percent
Overnight purses at Charles Town Races will rise by 10 percent, the track announced, a change taking effect March 23.
Horseracing integrity bill passes Congress
The sprawling Covid-19 relief and government spending bill passed by Congress Monday includes the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.
Charles Town meet ends with wagering gains
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Charles Town Races ended its 2020 season Saturday with substantial gains in wagering.
Graded stakes for 2021 announced
The American Graded Stakes Committee today announced the list of all graded and listed stakes for 2021.
PETA, more: The week in social media
PETA and the Stronach Group team up, a stallion retires, and more, in the week in social media.
Colonial Downs to race 21 days in ’21
Colonial Downs will race 21 days in 2021 in a meet that stretches from mid-July to early September.
Charles Town cancels Thursday card
Charles Town Races has canceled its Thursday card, the track announced — the second straight canceled card.
Charles Town unveils 2021 stakes schedule
Charles Town unveiled a 2021 stakes schedule that includes, for the second time, running the Charles Town Classic and Oaks on the same day.
Laurel Park cancels Thursday card
A winter storm that dumped snow, sleet, and freezing rain on the region led to the cancellation of Thursday’s race card at Laurel Park.
Charles Town cancels Wednesday card
With a winter storm hitting much of the East Coast hard, Charles Town Races has canceled its evening card.
