Business
HISA issues equine health advisory
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has issued an equine health advisory regarding fatal proximal forelimb fractures.
Laurel: “Preakness Preview Day” handle robust
Laurel’s “Preakness Preview Day” wagering handle was nearly double its best day of 2025 to date.
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.
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.
Virginia Derby field taking shape
The field for the March 15 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, offering 50 Kentucky Derby points to the winner, is starting to take shape.
National wagering down in February
Wagering on U.S. races fell 8% in February versus the prior year, as the racing industry continues to struggle amid a changing landscape.
Jockey Club offers breeders new info service
The new service provided by The Jockey Club will provide breeders a complimentary updated race record for Thoroughbreds foaled in 2025 and later.
Maryland modifies Pick 5 configuration
The Maryland Racing Commission today approved both the early and late Pick 5 wagers having carryover potential.
Documentary focuses on improbable Smarty Jones journey
With Smarty Jones now a finalist for the national racing Hall of Fame, a free documentary chronicles his improbable tale.
Virginia Derby gets 89 nominations
The March 15 Virginia Derby – for the first time a Kentucky Derby points race – received 89 nominations, while the Virginia Oaks got 57.
Laurel Park to host handicapping contest
The new Maryland Jockey Club will host a live-money, on-site and online handicapping contest April 19.
Pimlico project “on track” but long way to go
The project to remake Pimlico remains “on track,” the MTROA chairman said Friday, but key decisions remain.
Inglis Digital February sale underway
https://youtu.be/ieWousuNld8?si=25qeGZ2FmD0g3mEp The catalog for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA February Sale is now online, featuring a diverse group of 32 offerings. Bidding is currently open...
TMJC tabs Fritz Widaman as marketing chief
The new Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) has named racing industry veteran Fritz Widaman as its new VP of Marketing.
Preakness set for May 17, anchors 16-stake weekend
The 150th running of the Grade 1 Preakness will take place May 17 at Pimlico Race Course and will anchor a weekend filled with 16 stakes.
“He loved this game”: Owner-breeder Larry Johnson passes
Larry Johnson, who put his stamp on the Thoroughbred industry on racetracks and in boardrooms in Maryland and Virginia, passed away Feb. 4.
Enhanced Maryland-sired bonus soon to take effect
A program to bolster the value of horses that are both Maryland-bred and Maryland-sired is set to take effect with the current crop of two-year-olds.
Fair Hill Training Center tabs new GM
Fair Hill Training Center, the 350-acre training facility in northeastern Maryland, has hired veteran horseman Robert Croteau as general manager.
Art of Racing competition returns for Preakness 150
The Art of Racing competition, a nationwide art contest, returns this year for Preakness 150.
