Maryland Business
Maryland Commission tightens riding crop rule
Jockeys will be limited to six overhand strikes of the riding crop in Maryland – and eventually regionally – under new rules that didn’t please everyone.
Maryland Commission shelves Lasix-free baby races
The Stronach Group came to the Maryland Racing Commission for an endorsement of Lasix-free baby races. Instead it got a tongue-lashing.
Pimlico to reopen for off-track betting
The clubhouse at Pimlico Race Course will reopen for off-track wagering starting Thursday and will be open on a Wednesday through Sunday schedule.
No-Lasix 2-year-old races in Maryland prompt debate
The Stronach Group announced it would restrict 2yo races in Maryland to horses not on Lasix – which may put them at odds with horsemen and the Commission
MHBA announces election results
The Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) has announced its election results, with five people, including one incumbent, set to join 10 others on the board.
Trainer Duarte back from coronavirus
Trainer Jorge Duarte, stricked with coronavirus earlier this year, has recovered and will saddle stakes winner Introduced Saturday at Laurel Park.
Maryland: Breeder bonuses to be paid (eventually)
With two months of no racing and no casinos, the Maryland-bred Fund has been depleted, but once it’s replenished, breeders will receive their bonuses.
Laurel Park to Loosen COVID-19 restrictions
Owners will be allowed to watch races – that’s one of several changes Laurel Park is making as it moves into the second phase of coronavirus reopening.
Michael Matz to judge MHBA Yearling Show
Michael Matz, a trainer with two Triple Crown race wins to his credit, will judge the 2020 Maryland Horse Breeders Association Yearling Show, slated for mid-July.
Remembrance: Martin Mora
Martin Mora, a Maryland security guard, passed away in April, and his absence was keenly felt this weekend as racing returned to the state.
Laurel Park set for Saturday live racing return
The Maryland Racing Commission today approved the return of live racing to Laurel Park, which kicks off its summer meet May 30.
Preakness 145 to be held October 3 at Pimlico
Preakness 145 will take place – as rumors had suggested – October 3 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
Preakness 145 date to be unveiled Saturday on NBC
The date for Preakness 145 will be unveiled Saturday on NBC as part of a two-hour – half-online, half-TV – celebration of the Middle Jewel.
Laurel posts dateless condition book
It does not include live racing dates, but in a positive sign for the return of racing, Laurel Park has released a condition book for its return to action.
Fravel: Preakness could go before Derby
Stronach Group exec Craig Fravel, in an interview with NBC Sports, said Wednesday that the Preakness might end up running prior to the Kentucky Derby.
Still no Preakness date as InfieldFest canceled
The Preakness InfieldFest will be canceled this year, the Maryland Jockey Club announced, while the company continues to seek a date for the middle jewel.
Bob Manfuso, Maryland racing mainstay, passes at 82
Maryland racing mainstay Bob Manfuso — owner, breeder, board member, and onetime track co-owner — passed away Thursday at age 82.
Laurel Park live racing on hiatus “until further notice”
After days of uncertainty the Maryland Jockey Club said it would cease racing at Laurel Park indefinitely because of the coronavirus emergency.
Laurel Park to prohibit shippers
Racing at Laurel Park will take on the flavor of an intrasquad scrimmage, as only horses stabled there or at Pimlico will be permitted on the grounds.
Md Legislature gives final OK to Pimlico redo bill
Legislation to redo Pimlico and Laurel Park passed both houses of the Md. Legislature Wednesday and now heads to the Governor.
