Business
April wagering handle lags 2024 number
April saw wagering handle on US races that was more than 5% below the April 2024 mark, as the industry continues to scuffle.
First horses arrive as Monmouth Park stable opens
With its 50-day meet kicking off May 10, Monmouth Park’s stable area welcomed the first horses Saturday morning.
Maryland modifies Pick 5 configuration
The Maryland Racing Commission today approved both the early and late Pick 5 wagers having carryover potential.
Documentary focuses on improbable Smarty Jones journey
With Smarty Jones now a finalist for the national racing Hall of Fame, a free documentary chronicles his improbable tale.
Virginia Derby gets 89 nominations
The March 15 Virginia Derby – for the first time a Kentucky Derby points race – received 89 nominations, while the Virginia Oaks got 57.
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.
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.
