Business
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.
Pimlico Plus bill gets General Assembly OK
The Maryland General Assembly gave legislative signoff to the PImlico Plus bill in a busy last day of the session, sending it to Gov. Wes Moore.
“Hot potato” Pimlico Plus bill moving towards passage
An amended version of the Pimlico Plus legislation began a sprint to the finish line, passing quickly through the Senate en route to House consideration.
Abnel Bocachica shifting tack to New York
Apprentice rider Abnel Bocachica, son of Charles Town leading jockey Arnaldo Bocachica, will shift his tack to New York.
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.
Jock Mychel Sanchez suspended, taken off mounts
Jockey Mychel Sanchez was taken off his mounts Friday at Laurel Park, the result of a suspension he’d received for betting against his mounts.
Charles Town cancels Jan. 21 card
Charles Town Races has canceled its January 21 race card because of frigid temperatures and the lingering effects of winter weather.
Charles Town cancels Jan. 20 card
Charles Town has canceled its card for Thursday, Jan. 20 because of the “effects of winter weather” and will move the card to next Wednesday.
Delaware Park ’22 schedule approved
Delaware Park will race 88 days in 2022, with a slightly modified schedule, under an agreement approved the state Racing Commission.
Wanamaker’s January sale live through Jan. 27
Wanamaker’s January online horse sale, including a dozen no-guarantee stallion seasons, is live through Jan. 27.
Thoroughbred Owner Conference to return in July
Ownerview’s Thoroughbred Owner Conference will take place in person — the first time since 2019 — July 25-26 in Saratoga.
VTA to hold stallion season auction Feb. 9-10
The Virginia Thoroughbred Association will hold its annual stallion season auction by phone Feb. 9-10, with scores of stallions at every price range.
Laurel Park cancels Jan. 17 card
After a bout of snow, rain, and freezing temperatures hit central Maryland, Laurel Park has canceled its Jan. 17 holiday card.
Eclipse Award finalists announced
The Eclipse Award finalists have been named, among them contenders Knicks Go and Aloha West and apprentice jock finalists John Hiraldo and Charlie Marquez.
