
Business

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.
Three to enter Maryland-bred Hall of Fame
Three horses – Alma North, Richard’s Kid, and Shine Again – are the newest members of the Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and will be feted Aug. 23.
Colonial Downs to add spring meet, host Derby points race
Colonial Downs will expand its footprint to include a spring meet in 2025, with the meet anchored by a Virginia Derby 2.0 worth 50 Kentucky Derby points.
Paco Lopez nearing 4,000 wins
Jockey Paco Lopez is nearing the 4,000-win milestone, and while he hopes to reach it at Monmouth Park, he’ll need to hurry.
1/ST Racing calls for less racing, share of VLT revenue in Maryland
Saying their company is committed to Maryland the Preakness, 1/ST Racing executives today called for fewer days of live racing and a share of slots revenue.
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.
Jeiron Barbosa to return quicker than expected
Apprentice jockey Jeiron Barbosa, injured Tuesday in a fall, got surprise good news Friday and will be back on horseback next week.
TAA accredits 42 aftercare organizations
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today it has accredited 42 aftercare organizations for 2022, one a newcomer.
“Extremely lucky” Jeiron Barbosa escapes serious injury in spill
Apprentice rider Jeiron Barbosa walked away with only an injured wrist after an incident at Parx Racing that saw four riders unseated.
Amicar positive DQs Don’t Call Me Mary
The Maryland Racing Commission voted to disqualify Don’t Call Me Mary, trained by Todd Pletcher, from a November 2021 race at Laurel for an Amicar positive.
Delaware Park to move up weekend post time
Delaware Park will conclude its 2022 season with early first posts Friday and Saturday to accomodate fans more readily for Breeders’ Cup wagering.
Jessica Paquette named new track announcer at Parx
Jessica Paquette, racing analyst at Colonial Downs in recent years, will take the role of track announcer at Parx Racing.
Canter for a Cause signs up 270 riders
Canter for a Cause, which allows people to ride their horses at Pimlico while raising money for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, has almost 300 signed up.
HISA seeks FTC approval for prohibited substance list
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has submitted a list of 1365 prohibited substances ahead of its Jan. 1 implementation.
Fewer mares bred in 2022 versus 2021
The latest Report of Mares bred shows a national decline in 2022, one even more pronounced in the Mid-Atlantic, which saw 11% fewer.