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.
Rosecroft announcer Pete Medhurst passes away
Pete Medhurst, longtime track announcer at Rosecroft Raceway, passed away Monday after a battle with brain cancer.
Jockeys’ Guild elects officers
At its annual assembly Jan. 14, the Jockeys’ Guild elected new officers and senators, heard updates, and participated in discussions.
Parx Racing cancels Jan. 21 card
In the face of bitter cold, Parx Racing has canceled its live racing card for Tuesday, January 21, the track announced.
Colonial Downs cancels July 12 card
Citing “severe weather and excessive rainfall,” Colonial Downs has canceled its card for Friday, July 12.
Dashing Beauty time revised
The time for Sunday’s Dashing Beauty Stakes at Delaware Park has been revised downwards after questions were raised.
Delaware Park postpones July 10 card
WIth extremely hot weather in the forecast for Wednesday, July 10, Delaware Park has postponed its July 10 card to July 11.
Fifth Circuit again rules HISA unconstitutional
For the second time, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled HISA unconstitutional, this time because of its enforcement mechanism.
Delaware Park shifts July 6 card to July 8
Saturday’s Delaware Oaks day card at Delaware Park has been canceled because of the heat and will be run instead July 8.
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.
Md. Horse Foundation launches clothing drive
The Maryland Horse Foundation has kicked off a clothing drive to provide winter clothing and riding attire for young equestrians in need.
Maryland horsemen, tracks reach ’24 operating agreement
Maryland horsemen and breeders have reached an agreement with the Maryland Jockey Club that will keep racing afloat through 2024, the horsemen announced.
Charles Town Oaks to be G2 in ’24; 5 Midlantic stakes downgraded
Stellar subsequent efforts by recent Charles Town Oaks winners helped it receive Grade 2 status for 2024, in contrast to several other Midlantic stakes.
Longtime Maryland racing commissioner Ernie Grecco passes
Longtime Maryland Racing Commission member Ernie Grecco, a friend to labor and a fan of Pimlico Race Course, passed this week at 81.
Md. Million Classic appeal dropped; Ain’t Da Beer Cold wins
The appeal of a stewards’ DQ of Market Maven in the Maryland Million Classic was dropped at the last moment, leaving Ain’t Da Beer Cold the winner.
Wanamaker’s December catalog now available
The catalog for Wanamaker’s December online horse auction is now available, with the sale set for December 21.
Maryland tracks to see purse reduction in 2024
Overnight purses at Maryland’s “mile tracks,” Laurel Park and Pimlico, will decline by about nine percent in 2024, down from this year’s all-time high.
HISA to offer pro bono legal assistance
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) will offer qualifying people facing sanctions pro bono legal assistance.
For Colonial Downs, more of the same sounds good
The Virginia Racing Commission this week approved a 2024 Colonial Downs schedule that looks like 2023 – but it’s what may come next that’s most interesting.
