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.
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.
Book’em Danno repeats as NJ-bred horse of the year
Book’em Danno, a Grade 1 winner and earner of $800,000 in 2024, has been named New Jersey-bred Horse of the Year for the second year in a row.
Maryland-bred champions announced
Future Is Now and Post Time are the big winners among Maryland-bred champions, announced this week, with the horse of the year still to be revealed.
Trainer Rodney Jenkins passes away
Rodney Jenkins, who trained some of Maryland’s most popular recent horses, passed away Thursday at age 80.
US wagering handle up slightly in November
With more days of live racing and solid Breeders’ Cup results, US wagering handle was up slightly in November versus the prior year.
Paco Lopez hit with “indefinite” suspension
Paco Lopez will sit out an “indefinite” suspension following an incident at Parx Racing in which he struck his mount in the face with his whip.
“Gun-shy” horsemen sound off on Laurel Park track surface
The final Maryland Racing Commission meeting of the 1/ST era of racing included discussion, once again, of the condition of the Laurel Park main track.
Colonial Downs awarded 44 live days for 2025
Colonial Downs will race 44 days in 2025, starting with a 3-day spring meet and then continuing with 41 summer racing days.
MJC: Ken Brown retiring as track superintendent
Maryland Jockey Club track superintendent Ken Brown has retired effective Dec. 1, with longtime crew member Danny Finke the interim replacement.
Inglis Digital readies for first US sale
The first Inglis Digital USA online horse auction since it rebrended from Wanamaker’s will take place July 12.
Rick Abbott to judge MHBA yearling show
The 90th MHBA yearling show will take place July 21 in Timonium, and longtime bloodstock agent Rick Abbott will judge it.
HISA releases new educational materials
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced it has released new educational materials as it rolls out revised rules July 8.
Pimlico to close September 1
Pimlico will close for racing, training, and wagering September 1, MJC chief MIke Rogers wrote horsemen, as the renewal of Maryland racing ramps up.
HBPA calls for HISA to adopt “no-effect thresholds”
The National HBPA today called on HISA to adopt drug testing threshold levels below which no positive is called.
Fasig-Tipton June sale topped by Vekoma colt
A colt by promising young sire Vekoma fetched a top bid of $150,000 to headline the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic June 2yo sale June 25.
Fasig-Tipton June sale set for Tuesday
It’s last call for 2024 two-year-old sales, and the Fasig-Tipton June sale will send several dozen juveniles onto the next phase of their careers.
Charles Town announces racing office promotions
Charles Town Races announced several promotions, including that of new racing secretary Anna Hibbard.
Delaware Park to move June 22 post time forward
With extremely hot weather rolling through the Mid-Atlantic, Delaware Park has announced it will move its first post forward for its June 22 card.
