Timonium to host two stakes in 2019 meet
Racing at Timonium. Photo by The Racing Biz.
The Maryland State Fair race meet will once again feature seven days of live Thoroughbred racing and include two stakes races, the Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society, Inc. announced Wednesday. Running from August 23 through September 2, this year’s seven days of racing held during the Maryland State Fair will offer purses of over $185,000 daily.
The meet will conduct two added money events: the $75,000 guaranteed Maryland Coalition Stakes for 3-year-olds and and up going about 6 ½ furlongs on August 24; and the Timonium Distaff Stakes for Maryland-bred or Maryland-sired fillies and mares three-years-old and up, also going about 6 ½ furlongs, on August 31. The popular $20,000 trainers’ bonus will be included again this year. Grooms awards to the best turned out in each race will also be awarded.
The Fair’s racing committee thanked thank the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, the Maryland Jockey Club and the Maryland State Fair board for bringing this to fruition.
The second annual College Day at the Fair will take place on August 24. Nine $1,000 college scholarships are awarded to preregistered full time college students in attendance. College Day is designed to attract young people to experience Thoroughbred racing and the Maryland State Fair.
“Without the leadership of Gerry Brewster, Chairman of our Board, Bill Marlow, chairman of our Race Committee, and the entire Board of Directors of the Maryland State Fair, these developments would not be possible. We are particularly excited about our improved stakes program and College Day at the Fair, and thank the sponsors and horsemen for supporting us,” stated Bill Reightler, Director of Racing Operations.
Opening day is August 23, and closing day will be September 2. The meet will include racing Friday-Sunday (8/23-8/25) and then the following Friday-Monday, concluding on Labor Day. Post time will be 1:00 p.m. daily.