
Business

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.

National wagering down in February
Wagering on U.S. races fell 8% in February versus the prior year, as the racing industry continues to struggle amid a changing landscape.
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.
Harness community rallies behind Pete Medhurst
Rosecroft track announcer Pete Medhurst is battling brain cancer, and the harness racing community is rallying to his and his family’s support.
MTROA expects quick resolution to license transfer issue
The Maryland Racing Commission tapped the brakes on the switch from private racetrack ownership to a nonprofit, but the MTROA expects a quick resolution.
Laurel Park unveils 2025 winter stakes schedule
Laurel Park’s 2025 winter-spring meet stakes schedules looks very similar to its 2024 slate and includes 25 stakes.
Trainer Rodney Jenkins passes away
Rodney Jenkins, who trained some of Maryland’s most popular recent horses, passed away Thursday at age 80.
US wagering handle up slightly in November
With more days of live racing and solid Breeders’ Cup results, US wagering handle was up slightly in November versus the prior year.
Paco Lopez hit with “indefinite” suspension
Paco Lopez will sit out an “indefinite” suspension following an incident at Parx Racing in which he struck his mount in the face with his whip.
Stakes-placed 2yo added to Inglis Digital sale
The September 25 Inglis Digital sale has received a big late addition in the form of stakes-placed 2yo filly Bellavinino.
Nominations open for Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award
Maryland Million seeks nominations for the Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award to people making a meaningful if under-appreciated contribution to the industry.
Monmouth Park purse subsidy continued through 2029
A new law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy will extend Monmouth Park’s purse subsidy, wiith the track receiving $10 million annually through 2029.
Rogers: Pimlico “a valuable part” of Md. Jockey Club
With Pimlico having closed August 31, Maryland Jockey Club president Mike Rogers called Old Hilltop a “valuable part of our organization” in a statement.
Darby to take full control of Monmouth Park
Darby Development has signed an 85-year lease agreement to take full control of Monmouth Park, with plans for expansion.
Parx Racing temporarily off the turf
Parx Racing will conduct all racing on the dirt track for the time being as outside experts analyze the turf course for holes and inconsistencies.
Delaware Park moves up Aug. 28 post time
With the area under a heat advisory for Wednesday, August 28, Delaware Park will advance its post times by one hour.
Three to enter Maryland-bred Hall of Fame
Three horses – Alma North, Richard’s Kid, and Shine Again – are the newest members of the Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and will be feted Aug. 23.
Colonial Downs to add spring meet, host Derby points race
Colonial Downs will expand its footprint to include a spring meet in 2025, with the meet anchored by a Virginia Derby 2.0 worth 50 Kentucky Derby points.