Business
Wagering handle up slightly in May
Wagering handle rose slightly in May versus May 2024, though for the year to date it continues to trail last year.
Fair Hill to get new Tapeta surface
Maryland’s Fair Hill Training Center will replace its 7-furlong Tapeta Footings track this summer, with the company’s newest iteration, Tapeta 13.
HISA issues equine health advisory
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has issued an equine health advisory regarding fatal proximal forelimb fractures.
Laurel: “Preakness Preview Day” handle robust
Laurel’s “Preakness Preview Day” wagering handle was nearly double its best day of 2025 to date.
Charles Town to race April 23
After losing most of two cards to weather last weekend, Charles Town Races will run an additional night of live racing April 23.
Determined Kingdom named Va-bred horse of the year
Determined Kingdom, now past $700,000 in career earnings, has been named Virginia-bred Horse of the Year after winning two stakes in ’24.
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.
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.
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.
