Business
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.
HISA updates void claim, other safety rules
The new HISA rules, which go into effect July 8, modify existing void claim and waiver claiming regs and make a variety of other changes.
May wagering handle ticks up
Driven by record wagering on the Kentucky Derby, national wagering handle increased slightly in May versus the prior year.
HISA announces quarterly reduction in fatality rate
The rate of equine fatalities in the first quarter of ’24 was approximately 38% lower than last year, HISA said in a press release.
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.
Virginia, Churchill Downs goals “going to be aligned”
Some folks fret about what Churchill Downs’s purchase of Colonial Downs means for the future, but VTA head Debbie Easter expects their goals to align.
Charles Town announces full stakes schedule
The 2022 Charles Town Races stakes schedule kicks off April 23 and will include a total of 30 stakes during the course of the year.
Maryland-bred finalists announced
The winners of the 2021 Renaissance Awards for top Maryland-breds will be announced virtually over a period of six days starting Feb. 28.
Charles Town finalizes 2022 schedule
Charles Town will race 174 days in 2022, a schedule highlighted by the $1 million Charles Town Classic and $500,000 Charles Town Oaks.
Churchill to acquire Colonial Downs
Churchill Downs will acquire Colonial Downs and its associated properties in a larger, nearly $2.5 billion deal expected to close by year’s end.
Medina Spirit finally disqualified from ’21 Derby
Some nine months after, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has ruled that Medina Spirit be DQed from the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
Pimlico unveils spring stakes schedule
Topped by the Grade 1 Preakness, the Maryland Jockey Club will host 16 stakes worth nearly $4 million during Preakness weekend May 20-21.
Va-owned Extravagant Kid retired
Extravagant Kid, a onetime claiming horse who went on to earn over $1.7 million, has been retired by Virginia-based owner David Ross.
Jockey Club to rescind mare cap rule
The Jockey Club has rescinded a rule which would have prohibited stallions from breeding more than 140 mares. The move promotes “unity,” the group says.
