
Business

OwnerView webinar focuses on owner relations
The second installment in the 2025 OwnerView webinar series discussed the efforts racetrack executives make to ensure they are keeping “Owners First.”

Jill Byrne tabbed as new VTA executive director
Jill Byrne will take the reins as the new executive director of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, representing breeders.
Md. Racing Commission OKs Maryland-Virginia stakes
The Maryland Racing Commission signed off on a controversial proposal to blend Maryland-restricted and Virginia-restricted stakes Wednesday.
Maryland to spike Racetrack Operating Authority
Maryland budget negotiators on Friday unexpectedly decided to sunset the state’s Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.
Colonial Downs to host Claiming Crown qualifying day
Colonial Downs will host an August day of racing in which the races are automatic qualifying races for November’s Claiming Crown.
Nationwide wagering handle down 4% in March
Handle was down 4% in March versus the prior year and is off by more than 3% during the year to date, according to Equibase.
Laurel Park to delay turf season launch at least a week
Laurel Park will not take entries for turf races next weekend as originally scheduled because of wet, cold weather, track officials said.
Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation announces 2025 funding
More than $2.6 million in Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation funding will support 16 new and 10 continuing projects.
National Thoroughbred League to head to Pimlico, Parx
The National Thoroughbred League will bring its “horse team” concept to Pimlico the week before the Preakness and then to Parx.
Laurel Park alters condition book
Laurel Park will resume carding lower-level claiming races and introduce a new Maryland-bred or -sired maiden race effective in May.
Global stallions app adds new feature
The Blood-Horse’s global stallions app has added a new comparison tool, the company announced.
Equineline introduces OTTB profile
The Jockey Club today announced the new Off-Track Thoroughbred Profile, the first equineline.com report centered on Thoroughbreds in their second careers.
Preakness Festival events announced
Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore this week announced a slate of events that will comprise this year’s Preakness Festival.
Maryland Million set for October 11
Jim McKay Maryland Million Day 2025 will take place October 11 at Laurel Park, the organizers announced today.
Ownerview webinar addresses accounting, more
The first installment in the 2025 OwnerView webinar series discussed the accounting and other considerations that affect Thoroughbred owners.
Coastal Mission repeats as WV-bred Horse of the Year
Coastal Mission, who’s earned more than $1.1 million, has been named by the state’s breeders as WV-bred Horse of the Year for the second straight year.
Laurel: Nominations released for March 22 stakes
Stakes nominations are up for two sophomore stakes to be run at Laurel Park March 22, and more than 50 horses are listed.
MHBA Yearling Show purse premium winners announced
Horses that participate in the annual MHBA Yearling Show can earn purse premiums at two and three. Here are the 2024 winners.
Maryland OTBs push for historical horse racing machines
Saying that OTBs are a “failing industry” and retail sports betting a failure, too, Maryland OTBs are pushing for historical horse racing machines.
Virginia Derby field taking shape
The field for the March 15 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, offering 50 Kentucky Derby points to the winner, is starting to take shape.