Mike Hopkins Archives • The Racing Biz

How tiny Marlboro Race Track took down a Governor

by Jennifer Kelly | Feb 11, 2025 | Breaking, Bylined Feature, Features, Maryland, MD Business | 0 |

Maryland’s live racing days once were a precious commodity that racetracks fought for, and a half-mile track like Marlboro could sink a Governor.

Maryland: 8 stories that mattered in 2024

by Frank Vespe | Jan 3, 2025 | Breaking, Bylined Other, Maryland, MD Business, MD Racing, Racing | 0 |

It was a tumultuous, consequential year for the Maryland Thoroughbred industry. Here are eight stories that mattered in the year that was.

Mike Hopkins steps down after 40 years at Md. Racing Commission

by Frank Vespe | Dec 31, 2024 | Breaking, Business, Bylined Other, Maryland, MD Business | 0 |

Maryland Racing Commission executive director Mike Hopkins will retire after today, ending a career that spanned 40 years and many industry changes.

MTROA expects quick resolution to license transfer issue

by Frank Vespe | Dec 9, 2024 | Breaking, Business, Bylined Other, Maryland, MD Business | 0 |

The Maryland Racing Commission tapped the brakes on the switch from private racetrack ownership to a nonprofit, but the MTROA expects a quick resolution.

Maryland Racing Commission notes for Jan. 2, 2024

by Frank Vespe | Jan 2, 2024 | Breaking, Business, Bylined Other, Maryland, MD Business | 0 |

At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Maryland Racing Commission greeted a new chair, agreed to continue its relationship with HISA, and more.

Md Racing Commission to adopt bettor-friendly rule

by Frank Vespe | Apr 5, 2022 | Breaking, Business, Maryland, MD Business | 0 |

A new Maryland Racing Commission rule to take effect in the fall will permit bettors to choose alternate selections in multi-race wagers if a horse scratches.

Jock Mychel Sanchez suspended, taken off mounts

by Frank Vespe | Jan 21, 2022 | Breaking, Business, Maryland, MD Business, PA Business, Pennsylvania | 1 |

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.

Laurel Park to cancel weekend’s racing

by Frank Vespe | Dec 2, 2021 | Breaking, Business, Maryland, MD Business | 8 |

Faced with a sudden cluster of racing and training fatalities, Laurel Park will not race December 3-5 as officials scramble to get ahead of the problem.

Court blasts Md. Racing Commission hearing procedures, remands 2020 Geisha Stakes case

by Frank Vespe | Feb 25, 2021 | Breaking, Business, Maryland, MD Business, Top Stories | 1 |

A circuit court judge ruled that the Maryland Racing Commission’s hearing procedures deprived petitioners of a fair hearing and remanded a case involving the 2020 Geisha Stakes.