Business
Colonial: Claiming Crown preview set for Aug. 21
Colonial Downs will for the first time host a Claiming Crown Preview day on Aug. 21 featuring eight races run under starter allowance conditions.
Journalism tabbed as Preakness future wager favorite
Journalism, the likely favorite in the Kentucky Derby, is the 8-1 morning line favorite in the Preakness future wager, which opens April 25-May 3.
Chris Merz to head Maryland Racing Commission
Former Maryland Jockey Club racing secretary Chris Merz will be the new executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission.
Handle slumps in December as 2024 lags prior year
US wagering handle on Thoroughbred races plummeted 14% in December, as the industry suffered through another down year.
Mike Hopkins steps down after 40 years at Md. Racing Commission
Maryland Racing Commission executive director Mike Hopkins will retire after today, ending a career that spanned 40 years and many industry changes.
Study: Virginia certified program has major impact
Every dollar invested in the Virginia-Certified Residency Program generates nearly six dollars in economic impact, a new study says.
NTRA launches new safety campaign
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) today announced it had launched a new campaign called “Safety Runs First.”
Joe Clabes named PDJF executive director
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) announced it has named Joe Clabes its new executive director.
Pimlico Plus bill gets General Assembly OK
The Maryland General Assembly gave legislative signoff to the PImlico Plus bill in a busy last day of the session, sending it to Gov. Wes Moore.
“Hot potato” Pimlico Plus bill moving towards passage
An amended version of the Pimlico Plus legislation began a sprint to the finish line, passing quickly through the Senate en route to House consideration.
Abnel Bocachica shifting tack to New York
Apprentice rider Abnel Bocachica, son of Charles Town leading jockey Arnaldo Bocachica, will shift his tack to New York.
What we know (and don’t) about Maryland racing’s future
With the work of the Racetrack Operating Authority in full swing, here’s a primer on what we know and don’t about Maryland racing’s future.
Proposed new bill would repeal, replace HISA
New legislation set to be introduced in Congress will repeal HISA and replace it with an interstate compact governed by state racing commissions.
Off to the Races Radio: Saturday lineup
Off to the Races Radio returns Saturday, September 16 with shows in Virginia and Maryland and plenty of great guests.
Track condition now part of Equine Injury Database
The Equine Injury Database now includes data about 2021-2022 fatalities by track condition, as well as track surface.
Maryland Horse Foundation receives TCA grant
The Maryland Horse Foundation today announced it had received a TCA grant to support its career outreach work, including the Thoroughbred Career Program.
Alan Foreman named HISA ombudsman
Maryland attorney Alan Foreman has been named ombudsman by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA).
Off to the Races Radio: Saturday lineup
Off to the Races Radio returns Saturday, September 16 with shows in Virginia and Maryland and plenty of great guests.
Remembering Anthony Manganaro
Anthony Manganaro passed away August 20. We visit with former MRC chair Michael Algeo, and remember Manganaor’s behind-the-scenes role in Maryland.
HISA issues report on Churchill Downs fatalities
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) issued its report on the spring fatalities at Churchill Downs, finding no “singular explanation.”
