Business
MTHA endorses change to claiming price rule
The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) on Wednesday endorsed a less restrictive claiming rule than currently in place.
Preak Weeks return to help Baltimore businesses
1/ST and The Maryland Jockey Club announced the return of its Preak Weeks initiative to spotlight Baltimore businesses.
Jill Byrne tabbed as new VTA executive director
Jill Byrne will take the reins as the new executive director of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, representing breeders.
Md. Racing Commission OKs Maryland-Virginia stakes
The Maryland Racing Commission signed off on a controversial proposal to blend Maryland-restricted and Virginia-restricted stakes Wednesday.
Maryland to spike Racetrack Operating Authority
Maryland budget negotiators on Friday unexpectedly decided to sunset the state’s Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.
Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation announces 2025 funding
More than $2.6 million in Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation funding will support 16 new and 10 continuing projects.
National Thoroughbred League to head to Pimlico, Parx
The National Thoroughbred League will bring its “horse team” concept to Pimlico the week before the Preakness and then to Parx.
Laurel Park alters condition book
Laurel Park will resume carding lower-level claiming races and introduce a new Maryland-bred or -sired maiden race effective in May.
Global stallions app adds new feature
The Blood-Horse’s global stallions app has added a new comparison tool, the company announced.
Equineline introduces OTTB profile
The Jockey Club today announced the new Off-Track Thoroughbred Profile, the first equineline.com report centered on Thoroughbreds in their second careers.
Preakness Festival events announced
Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore this week announced a slate of events that will comprise this year’s Preakness Festival.
Laurel: Nominations released for March 22 stakes
Stakes nominations are up for two sophomore stakes to be run at Laurel Park March 22, and more than 50 horses are listed.
MHBA Yearling Show purse premium winners announced
Horses that participate in the annual MHBA Yearling Show can earn purse premiums at two and three. Here are the 2024 winners.
Maryland OTBs push for historical horse racing machines
Saying that OTBs are a “failing industry” and retail sports betting a failure, too, Maryland OTBs are pushing for historical horse racing machines.
Virginia Derby field taking shape
The field for the March 15 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, offering 50 Kentucky Derby points to the winner, is starting to take shape.
National wagering down in February
Wagering on U.S. races fell 8% in February versus the prior year, as the racing industry continues to struggle amid a changing landscape.
Jockey Club offers breeders new info service
The new service provided by The Jockey Club will provide breeders a complimentary updated race record for Thoroughbreds foaled in 2025 and later.
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.
