Business
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.
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.
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.
OwnerView webinar talks condylar fractures
The latest OwnerView webinar, the last one of 2024, discussed dealing with condylar fractures.
Statewide “Preakness Festival” announced for 2025
Gov. Wes Moore and other Maryland luminaries on Wednesday announced a statewide Preakness Festival to take place in 2025.
Harness community rallies behind Pete Medhurst
Rosecroft track announcer Pete Medhurst is battling brain cancer, and the harness racing community is rallying to his and his family’s support.
Nominations open for Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award
Maryland Million seeks nominations for the Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award to people making a meaningful if under-appreciated contribution to the industry.
Monmouth Park purse subsidy continued through 2029
A new law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy will extend Monmouth Park’s purse subsidy, wiith the track receiving $10 million annually through 2029.
Rogers: Pimlico “a valuable part” of Md. Jockey Club
With Pimlico having closed August 31, Maryland Jockey Club president Mike Rogers called Old Hilltop a “valuable part of our organization” in a statement.
Darby to take full control of Monmouth Park
Darby Development has signed an 85-year lease agreement to take full control of Monmouth Park, with plans for expansion.
Parx Racing temporarily off the turf
Parx Racing will conduct all racing on the dirt track for the time being as outside experts analyze the turf course for holes and inconsistencies.
Delaware Park moves up Aug. 28 post time
With the area under a heat advisory for Wednesday, August 28, Delaware Park will advance its post times by one hour.
Three to enter Maryland-bred Hall of Fame
Three horses – Alma North, Richard’s Kid, and Shine Again – are the newest members of the Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and will be feted Aug. 23.
Colonial Downs to add spring meet, host Derby points race
Colonial Downs will expand its footprint to include a spring meet in 2025, with the meet anchored by a Virginia Derby 2.0 worth 50 Kentucky Derby points.
Paco Lopez nearing 4,000 wins
Jockey Paco Lopez is nearing the 4,000-win milestone, and while he hopes to reach it at Monmouth Park, he’ll need to hurry.
