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Business
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Virginia Gaming Commission bill appears dead
A bill that would have swept racing regulation out of the Virginia Racing Commission and under a new Gaming Commission appears dead.
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HISA alleges conspiracy to evade injection rules
HISA has alleged that one veterinarian and 13 trainers at Penn National conspired to evade rules limiting intra-articular injections.
Determined Kingdom named Va-bred horse of the year
Determined Kingdom, now past $700,000 in career earnings, has been named Virginia-bred Horse of the Year after winning two stakes in ’24.
Maryland Jockey Club names new director of racing surfaces
The new Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) announced Feb. 21 that it has hired John Banno as Director of Racing Surfaces.
HISA cites record-low rate of equine fatalities
The rate of equine fatality dropped below one per 1,000 starts at HISA-governed tracks in 2024, according to HISA, the lowest rate recorded.
Parx Racing adds Feb. 27 to live schedule
Parx Racing will add Thursday, Feb. 27 to its racing schedule to make up for days lost to the winter weather.
Charles Town cancels Feb. 20 card
With bitter cold in the forecast, Charles Town Races has canceled its scheduled live racing card for Thursday, Feb. 20.
Charles Town releases 2025 stakes schedule
Charles Town’s 2025 stakes schedule, which closely mirrors its 2024 calendar, kicks off April 12, with the track’s biggest day set for Aug. 22.
Initiative launched to protect live racing in Florida, elsewhere
With racing in Florida potentially imperiled by “decoupling” legislation, industry leaders there have launched an initiative to protect it there and elsewhere.
Laurel Park to host handicapping contest
The new Maryland Jockey Club will host a live-money, on-site and online handicapping contest April 19.
Pimlico project “on track” but long way to go
The project to remake Pimlico remains “on track,” the MTROA chairman said Friday, but key decisions remain.
Inglis Digital February sale underway
https://youtu.be/ieWousuNld8?si=25qeGZ2FmD0g3mEp The catalog for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA February Sale is now online, featuring a diverse group of 32 offerings. Bidding is currently open...
TMJC tabs Fritz Widaman as marketing chief
The new Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) has named racing industry veteran Fritz Widaman as its new VP of Marketing.
Preakness set for May 17, anchors 16-stake weekend
The 150th running of the Grade 1 Preakness will take place May 17 at Pimlico Race Course and will anchor a weekend filled with 16 stakes.
“He loved this game”: Owner-breeder Larry Johnson passes
Larry Johnson, who put his stamp on the Thoroughbred industry on racetracks and in boardrooms in Maryland and Virginia, passed away Feb. 4.
Enhanced Maryland-sired bonus soon to take effect
A program to bolster the value of horses that are both Maryland-bred and Maryland-sired is set to take effect with the current crop of two-year-olds.
Fair Hill Training Center tabs new GM
Fair Hill Training Center, the 350-acre training facility in northeastern Maryland, has hired veteran horseman Robert Croteau as general manager.
Art of Racing competition returns for Preakness 150
The Art of Racing competition, a nationwide art contest, returns this year for Preakness 150.
Crabs N Beer gets nod as People’s Voice Midlantic-bred
In — perhaps — a surprise, Crabs N Beer was chosen by the voting public as the “People’s Voice” top Midlantic-bred of 2024.
Maryland stallion season auction starts Feb. 9
The Maryland Stallion Season Auction, which benefits the Maryland Horse Foundation, kicks off online Feb. 9 and continues through Feb. 12.