
Business

MTHA endorses change to claiming price rule
The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) on Wednesday endorsed a less restrictive claiming rule than currently in place.

Preak Weeks return to help Baltimore businesses
1/ST and The Maryland Jockey Club announced the return of its Preak Weeks initiative to spotlight Baltimore businesses.
Coastal Mission repeats as WV-bred Horse of the Year
Coastal Mission, who’s earned more than $1.1 million, has been named by the state’s breeders as WV-bred Horse of the Year for the second straight year.
Laurel: Nominations released for March 22 stakes
Stakes nominations are up for two sophomore stakes to be run at Laurel Park March 22, and more than 50 horses are listed.
MHBA Yearling Show purse premium winners announced
Horses that participate in the annual MHBA Yearling Show can earn purse premiums at two and three. Here are the 2024 winners.
“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.
Crabs N Beer gets nod as People’s Voice Midlantic-bred
In — perhaps — a surprise, Crabs N Beer was chosen by the voting public as the “People’s Voice” top Midlantic-bred of 2024.
Maryland stallion season auction starts Feb. 9
The Maryland Stallion Season Auction, which benefits the Maryland Horse Foundation, kicks off online Feb. 9 and continues through Feb. 12.
Maryland Racing Commission OKs new TMJC as track operator
The Maryland Racing Commission on Dec. 23 signed off on the new nonprofit Maryland Jockey Club to operate Laurel Park in the new year.
Shamrock Farm chosen as new Maryland training center
The new training center to support racing at Pimlico will be at Shamrock Farm the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority announced.
Maryland horsemen, breeders point to ’25 priorities
A board to govern the new Maryland Jockey Club, a new training center, and new breeder incentives are top priorities for Maryland’s horsemen and breeders.
Jockey Club offering incentive to return mares to breeding
A new Jockey Club program will waive registration fees when introducing or returning mares to the breeding population in an effort to bolster foal crops.
HISA unveils veterinary advisory committee membership
https://youtu.be/dTJsZlFfOHs?si=NHncKjSk0Jyu038e The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the members of its Veterinary Advisory Committee. The committee will...
Midlantic stakes thumped by graded stakes committee
Sixteen stakes contested in the Mid-Atlantic have been downgraded for 2025 by the American Graded Stakes Committee.
Charles Town to race 160 days in 2025
Charles Town Races will host 160 days of live racing in 2025, highlighted by the Aug. 22 Charles Town Classic and Oct. 11 WV Breeders Classics.
Dan Illman named new MJC communications chief
Dan Illman of the Daily Racing Form has been named director of communications for the new Maryland Jockey Club, the company announced.
HISA: Decline in equine fatalities continues in Q3
https://youtu.be/LtZDQmw1v1U?si=eTbbFnXjx3cfkDR7 The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the publication of its 2024 Third Quarter Metrics Report. This report...