Business
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.
Laurel Park to delay turf season launch at least a week
Laurel Park will not take entries for turf races next weekend as originally scheduled because of wet, cold weather, track officials said.
Aftercare grants made to 83 groups
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today it had made more than $4 million in grants to 83 accredited organizations.
MTROA: Pimlico plan may preserve current track layout
Maryland’s MTROA may jettison its plan to rotate the Pimlico racing strip, saving the historic track and a substantial amount of money.
Showing of “Maryland’s Horse” slated for Nov. 25
The Maryland Horse Library and Education Center on November 25 will present a showing of “Maryland’s Horse,” a 1960s-era film about racing.
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.
Off to the Races Radio features Kate Tweedy
Off to the Races Radio is set for its return to the airwaves Saturday, Mar. 18 and will feature Kate Tweedy, daughter of Secretariat’s owner, and more.
HISA, Jockeys’ Guild to support mental health
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and the Jockeys’ Guild have announced an initiative to provide riders with mental wellness support
Mandatory payout of Charles Town pick 6 Saturday
With a current carryover of more than $120,000, Charles Town’s pick 6 wager will have a mandatory payout Saturday evening.
MHBA to host “Women and Horses” panel
The Maryland Horse Breeders Association will host a panel discussing “women and horses” March 27.
Laurel to hold Champions Handicapping Tourney Mar. 25
Laurel Park will host its bi-annual Champions Handicapping Tournament March 25, with $66,000 in prize money and more on the line.
Off to the Races Radio features Xtra Heat owner Taylor
Off to the Races Radio is set for its return to the airwaves Saturday, Mar. 11 and will feature Kenneth Taylor, owner of Hall of Famer Xtra Heat, and more.
Hall of Famer Xtra Heat dies at age 24
Xtra Heat, the bargain-basement rocket ship who earned more than 400 times her $5,000 purchase price in a Hall of Fame career, has died.
Muad’dib named WV horse of the year in melancholy ceremony
Muad’dib secured his second straight WV horse of the year title at the WV Thoroughbred Breeders Association banquet made more somber by recent passings.
Charles Town mainstay John McKee passes
John McKee, a longtime West Virginia owner, breeder, and trainer who stood prominent sire Fiber Sonde, has passed away at age 85.
