1st Racing Archives • The Racing Biz

24
Apr

In Maryland, Belinda says goodbye

Frank Vespe / 3 months
0
3 min read

The Belinda Stronach era of Maryland racing ends with neither a bang nor a whimper, but a “what just happened?”

24
Feb

Preakness 2026 attendance to be capped at 4,800

The Biz / 5 months
0
3 min read

With the Preakness taking place at Laurel Park this year, 1/ST Racing said it would limit attendance to 4,800.

10
Jun

DRF Bets acquired by 1/ST

Press Release / 1 year
20
3 min read

1/ST, former owners of Laurel and Pimlico and current owners of Xpressbet and 1/ST Bet, has acquired DRF Bets, the companies announced.

29
Jan

Hamelback: Industry must speak out against decoupling

Guest Author / 2 years
0
4 min read

The horseracing industry must oppose a Florida “decoupling” proposal to sever the racing-gaming connection, says HBPA chief Eric Hamelback.

04
Apr

Jim McKay Turf Sprint to be part of US-UK partnership

Press Release / 2 years
2
4 min read

The Jim McKay Turf Sprint, a Preakness weekend staple at Pimlico, will be part of a trans-Atlantic race series with races in Britain and California.

14
Mar

Stronach Group: Maryland agreement to “usher in new era”

Frank Vespe / 2 years
3
3 min read

In a statement, the Stronach Group said the agreement on donating Pimlico to the state will help “usher ina new era” in Maryland racing.

01
Mar

Preakness, Dinner Party to receive purse boosts

Press Release / 2 years
2
4 min read

The Preakness purse will rise to $2 million, while the Dinner Party jumps to $500,000, as 1/ST Racing links those races with the Cal Crown and Pegasus.

24
Jan

Aidan Butler appointed president of 1/ST

Press Release / 3 years
2
2 min read

1/ST, the parent company of the Maryland Jockey Club, has announced Aidan Butler’s promotion to president.

30
Dec

Maryland horsemen, tracks reach ’24 operating agreement

Frank Vespe / 3 years
2
4 min read

Maryland horsemen and breeders have reached an agreement with the Maryland Jockey Club that will keep racing afloat through 2024, the horsemen announced.

28
Sep

What we know (and don’t) about Maryland racing’s future

Frank Vespe / 3 years
5
7 min read

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.

Nick’s Picks: Colonial Downs, August 2, 2026

Spa Selections 2026: Saratoga Picks August 2

Burnham Square too good in Arlington Million

Gimme a Nother Beverly D. win gives Motion stakes double

Charles Town picks and analysis: August 1, 2026

Delaware Park picks and analysis: August 1, 2026

In Maryland, Belinda says goodbye

Preakness 2026 attendance to be capped at 4,800

DRF Bets acquired by 1/ST

Hamelback: Industry must speak out against decoupling

Jim McKay Turf Sprint to be part of US-UK partnership

Stronach Group: Maryland agreement to “usher in new era”

Preakness, Dinner Party to receive purse boosts

Aidan Butler appointed president of 1/ST

Maryland horsemen, tracks reach ’24 operating agreement

What we know (and don’t) about Maryland racing’s future

Burnham Square too good in Arlington.

Gimme a Nother Beverly D. win.

Off to the Races Radio lineup.

PODCAST: On the Thoroughbred aftercare beat

Magic Weisner, 2002 Preakness runner-up, dies

PODCAST: Balancing trainer life and mom.