Business
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.
Ken McPeek named “Big Sport of Turfdom”
The Turf Publicists of America have awarded trainer Ken McPeek their Big Sport of Turfdom award for his cooperation with the media.
West Saratoga to be sold in Inglis Digital December
West Saratoga, a Grade 3 winner at two and Kentucky Derby runner at three, will be sold in the December Inglis Digital sale.
Laurel Park cancels all weekend racing
Laurel Park will cancel all three days of live racing this weekend, and its three Saturday stakes will return as extras for Friday, Nov. 29.
Questions and (some) answers about Pimlico Plus
The Pimlico Plus plan recently unveiled by the Maryland Racetrack Operating Authority spurs plenty of questions. Here are some, and some of the answers.
“To control our destiny”: Advocates make case for “Pimlico Plus”
Advocates of the Maryland Racetrack Operating Authority’s “Pimlico Plus” plan portray it as a chance to get a clean slate and “control our destiny.”
Kentucky Derby purse boosted to $5 million
The purse of the Kentucky Derby will rise to $5 million for 2024, and it now dwarfs the purses of the other jewels of the Triple Crown.
Jaime Rodriguez dead-heats for Jockey of the Week
Jockey Jaime Rodriguez won nine times at Laurel Park’s opening weekend of 2024 to dead-heat for the Jockeys’ Guild’s Jockey of the Week honors.
Penn National set to kick off 2024 season with changes
Penn National kicks off its 2024 season Jan. 10 and will race fewer days this year spread out among three meets, resulting in higher purses.
Maryland career program dates announced
The Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program will take place from June 3 to June 7, and one can now apply to participate.
Hall of Fame class announced
Corey Nakatani, California Chrome, Arrogate, and Songbird headline the 2023 class of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
MTHA, MJC reach 11th-hour deal on way forward on Laurel track surface
An 11th-hour deal between the Md. Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Md. Jockey Club provides a way forward for resolving safety concerns.
Maryland Racing Commission meeting could be lively affair
Tuesday’s emergency meeting of the Maryland Racing Commission, called to address recent equine fatalities at Laurel Park, may draw numerous horsemen.
Wanamaker’s April sale kicks off Thursday
Wanamaker’s will hold its April online horse sale starting Thursday, and the catalog is now available.
Md. Racing Commission: No racing until “independent assessment” of track
The Maryland Racing Commission will conduct its own analysis of the Laurel Park dirt track and will not permit racing to resume until it is satisfied.
Busy Saturday on Off to the Races Radio
Off to the Races Radio returns Saturday, April 15 with its Maryland and Virginia editions Triple Crown chatter, Alan Foreman on Maryland’s future, and more.
Maryland horsemen, track owner see injury issue differently
Recent injuries at Laurel Park stem from issues with the racing surface, Maryland horsemen say — a position the track owner seems not to share.
Track safety concerns prompt Laurel Park closure
Two Thursday horse injuries, one fatal, and the Maryland Racing Commission’s intervention led to a supension of racing at Laurel Park.
MHBA to host Elkridge-Harford panel
The Maryland Horse Breeders Association on April 24 will host a panel on the 100th anniversary of the Elkridge-Harford Point-to-Point Races.
