Business
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.
Delaware Park cancels opening day card
With heavy rain in the area, Delaware Park canceled its Wednesday opener and instead will kick off its season Saturday, May 17.
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.
Laurel Park to host handicapping contest
The new Maryland Jockey Club will host a live-money, on-site and online handicapping contest April 19.
Pimlico project “on track” but long way to go
The project to remake Pimlico remains “on track,” the MTROA chairman said Friday, but key decisions remain.
Inglis Digital February sale underway
https://youtu.be/ieWousuNld8?si=25qeGZ2FmD0g3mEp The catalog for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA February Sale is now online, featuring a diverse group of 32 offerings. Bidding is currently open...
TMJC tabs Fritz Widaman as marketing chief
The new Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) has named racing industry veteran Fritz Widaman as its new VP of Marketing.
Preakness set for May 17, anchors 16-stake weekend
The 150th running of the Grade 1 Preakness will take place May 17 at Pimlico Race Course and will anchor a weekend filled with 16 stakes.
“He loved this game”: Owner-breeder Larry Johnson passes
Larry Johnson, who put his stamp on the Thoroughbred industry on racetracks and in boardrooms in Maryland and Virginia, passed away Feb. 4.
Shamrock Farm chosen as new Maryland training center
The new training center to support racing at Pimlico will be at Shamrock Farm the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority announced.
Maryland horsemen, breeders point to ’25 priorities
A board to govern the new Maryland Jockey Club, a new training center, and new breeder incentives are top priorities for Maryland’s horsemen and breeders.
Jockey Club offering incentive to return mares to breeding
A new Jockey Club program will waive registration fees when introducing or returning mares to the breeding population in an effort to bolster foal crops.
HISA unveils veterinary advisory committee membership
https://youtu.be/dTJsZlFfOHs?si=NHncKjSk0Jyu038e The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the members of its Veterinary Advisory Committee. The committee will...
Midlantic stakes thumped by graded stakes committee
Sixteen stakes contested in the Mid-Atlantic have been downgraded for 2025 by the American Graded Stakes Committee.
Charles Town to race 160 days in 2025
Charles Town Races will host 160 days of live racing in 2025, highlighted by the Aug. 22 Charles Town Classic and Oct. 11 WV Breeders Classics.
Dan Illman named new MJC communications chief
Dan Illman of the Daily Racing Form has been named director of communications for the new Maryland Jockey Club, the company announced.
HISA: Decline in equine fatalities continues in Q3
https://youtu.be/LtZDQmw1v1U?si=eTbbFnXjx3cfkDR7 The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the publication of its 2024 Third Quarter Metrics Report. This report...
West Saratoga sells for $375,000
West Saratoga, a Grade 3 winner who ran in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, sold for $375,000 at the Inglis Digital sale.
