“We are pleased to come to terms on a one-year extension to the 2012 agreement with The Stronach Group, 1/ST RACING and Maryland Jockey Club and appreciate the work by all that went into finalizing this deal,” said David Richardson, Executive Director of the MTHA. “This agreement provides our horsemen, the State’s breeders, and backstretch workers stability while the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority continues their important work on a long-term plan for our industry. We look forward to the final Authority report and a bright and sustainable future for thoroughbred horse racing in Maryland.”

Under the 10-year agreement and its subsequent extensions, horsemen and breeders agreed to provide the MJC an operating subsidy in return for the track operator’s agreement to maintain a year-round racing schedule which has generally included over 150 days of live racing combined at the state’s two “mile tracks,” Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course. The latest agreement is expected to have similar contours.

Under a schedule which previously had received tentative approval from the Maryland Racing Commission, Laurel will race three days per week on a Friday-Sunday schedule through March, with the exception of Easter Sunday, March 31, when the track is dark. The Laurel spring meet, which runs April 1 through May 5, will see the track host live racing four days a week on a Thursday-Sunday schedule.

Racing will then shift to Pimlico for its brief Preakness meet. The Preakness is expected to take place on its normal schedule – the third Saturday in May and two weeks after the Kentucky Derby – despite earlier suggestions it could move.

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“The Stronach Group, 1/ST RACING and the Maryland Jockey Club are committed to a successful 2024 racing season as we work in good faith with other stakeholders to develop a long-term, sustainable racing model for Maryland,” said Craig Fravel, Executive Vice Chairman, 1/ST RACING. “We are pleased to have worked constructively with Maryland stakeholders on this agreement and look forward to continuing to work with the Maryland Racetrack Operating Authority in the best interests of racing in Maryland.”

While the finalization of this agreement has the most immediate effect for Maryland’s horsemen and breeders, the work of the Racetrack Operating Authority is likely to have a larger long-term impact. That organization, created by the state’s General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session, was tasked in the first instance with creating a report: a) analyzing ideal operating models for the state’s Thoroughbred industry; b) identifying two or more viable sites for training centers that could be necessary to replace one of the two mile tracks; and c) updating the legislature on the current status of the rebuild of Pimlico and Laurel.

The Authority’s much-anticipated report was originally scheduled to be delivered to the General Assembly December 1 but has been pushed back to January 5. The General Assembly convenes for its 2024 session January 10, with its 90-day session concluding April 8.

Additionally, the MTHA itself is in the midst of elections for its board of directors. All 15 seats are up for election, with votes required to be received no later than December 31.