Business
D. Wayne Lukas, 89, passes
Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, 89, who announced the end of his training career just a week ago, has passed away, his family said.
Dozen wins net Mychel Sanchez Jock of the Week
Riding around the Mid-Atlantic, jockey Mychel Sanchez won 12 times last week to earn Jockeys’ Guild Jockey of the Week honors.
Wagering handle up slightly in May
Wagering handle rose slightly in May versus May 2024, though for the year to date it continues to trail last year.
Fair Hill to get new Tapeta surface
Maryland’s Fair Hill Training Center will replace its 7-furlong Tapeta Footings track this summer, with the company’s newest iteration, Tapeta 13.
Penn National, Delaware to postpone turf stakes
Penn National will delay its Penn Mile card stakes, while Delaware Park will postpone the Cape Henlopen in the face of persistent rains.
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.
Junior Alvarado sounds off on hefty Derby crop fine
“Extremely ridiculous,” jockey Junior Alvarado called a $62,000 fine he received for excessive crop use aboard Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby.
New Maryland Jockey Club board named
The board of directors that will govern the new Maryland Jockey Club was chosen by the Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority Friday.
Public Works Board approves Pimlico Plus expenditures
Maryland’s Board of Public Works approved nearly $19 million in expenditures to advance the Pimlico Plus plan – but not without trepidation.
Preakness: $100,000 trainer bonus returns
For a ninth straight year, $100,000 in bonus money is on the table for trainers that run at least five horses in stakes races Preakness weekend.
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.
Colonial Downs unveils condition book, stakes sked
An expanded live racing schedule, featuring higher overnight purses and more stakes races, are on tap at Colonial Downs this summer.
OwnerView webinar focuses on owner relations
The second installment in the 2025 OwnerView webinar series discussed the efforts racetrack executives make to ensure they are keeping “Owners First.”
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.
Colonial Downs to host Claiming Crown qualifying day
Colonial Downs will host an August day of racing in which the races are automatic qualifying races for November’s Claiming Crown.
Nationwide wagering handle down 4% in March
Handle was down 4% in March versus the prior year and is off by more than 3% during the year to date, according to Equibase.
