Maryland Horse Industry Day set for Jan. 22
Terpretariat, left, attended the 2016 Horse Industry Day. He is not a legislator. Photo by The Racing Biz.
Maryland’s sixth annual Horse Industry Day will take place Wednesday in Annapolis. The event is designed to bring all segments of the equine industry together to raise awareness among elected leaders of the importance of the industry to the state.
And this year, racing industry interests have pretty high stakes. With the failure, last year, of legislation that would have super-charged the creation of a “super track” at Laurel — and likely led to the demise of Pimlico — the industry regrouped in the fall and crafted an agreement with the City of Baltimore that will keep the Preakness at a new Pimlico in Baltimore while transforming Laurel.
That agreement will require legislative changes, though, and while the bill has yet to be introduced, its passage will be a matter of paramount importance for the Thoroughbred industry.
FROM THE EVENT ORGANIZERS
All equine-interested individuals are invited to attend. No advocacy experience required! We’ll convene in the morning to prep for legislative meetings, then meet in small groups with legislators. When legislators are in session, we’ll hear presentations and engage in discussions and Q&A with industry members, legislative staffers and special guests. We’ll then enjoy boxed lunches with legislators.
Tentative Schedule
7:30-8am: Registration, coffee & snacks
8-10am: Meetings with legislators (pre-scheduled, and drop-ins)
10-11:30am: Presentations and awards
11:30-1pm: Lunch with legislators & salutations
Once you RSVP you’ll be invited to a preview call on Thursday, January 16 @ 7pm to discuss talking points and prep for the event.
Please note: you can register even if you can’t be there for the entire schedule, but please indicate your availability as we will be booking legislator meetings around RSVPs.
PARKING INFORMATION
Details can be found via Annapolis Parking. For cars, standard pickups and SUVs, it’s best to park in Gott’s Garage, which is a few minutes walk from the Miller Senate Office Building. If you have an oversized vehicle, park in the Navy Stadium lot and shuttle into town.
EVENT PRESENTERS
- Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association
- Fair Hill Foundation
- Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill
- Maryland Association for Wildlife Conservation
- Maryland Equine Transition Services (METS)
- Maryland Horse Breeders Association
- Maryland Horse Council
- Maryland Horse Industry Board
- Maryland Jockey Club
- Maryland Million Ltd.
- Maryland Standardbred Breeders
- Maryland State Fair
- Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association
- Ocean Downs
- Rosecroft Raceway
- The Equiery
LATEST BUSINESS NEWS
Handle slumps in December as 2024 lags prior year
US wagering handle on Thoroughbred races plummeted 14% in December, as the industry suffered through another down year.
Mike Hopkins steps down after 40 years at Md. Racing Commission
Maryland Racing Commission executive director Mike Hopkins will retire after today, ending a career that spanned 40 years and many industry changes.
Jockey Club bars 12 from stud book access
The ruling announced by The Jockey Club bans 12 individuals from registering Thoroughbred foals for periods up to five years.
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.