Business
DRF Bets acquired by 1/ST
1/ST, former owners of Laurel and Pimlico and current owners of Xpressbet and 1/ST Bet, has acquired DRF Bets, the companies announced.
Wagering handle up slightly in May
Wagering handle rose slightly in May versus May 2024, though for the year to date it continues to trail last year.
Laurel: “Preakness Preview Day” handle robust
Laurel’s “Preakness Preview Day” wagering handle was nearly double its best day of 2025 to date.
Charles Town to race April 23
After losing most of two cards to weather last weekend, Charles Town Races will run an additional night of live racing April 23.
MTHA endorses change to claiming price rule
The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) on Wednesday endorsed a less restrictive claiming rule than currently in place.
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...
HISA unveils veterinary advisory committee membership
https://youtu.be/dTJsZlFfOHs?si=NHncKjSk0Jyu038e The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the members of its Veterinary Advisory Committee. The committee will...
Midlantic stakes thumped by graded stakes committee
Sixteen stakes contested in the Mid-Atlantic have been downgraded for 2025 by the American Graded Stakes Committee.
Charles Town to race 160 days in 2025
Charles Town Races will host 160 days of live racing in 2025, highlighted by the Aug. 22 Charles Town Classic and Oct. 11 WV Breeders Classics.
Dan Illman named new MJC communications chief
Dan Illman of the Daily Racing Form has been named director of communications for the new Maryland Jockey Club, the company announced.
HISA: Decline in equine fatalities continues in Q3
https://youtu.be/LtZDQmw1v1U?si=eTbbFnXjx3cfkDR7 The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the publication of its 2024 Third Quarter Metrics Report. This report...
West Saratoga sells for $375,000
West Saratoga, a Grade 3 winner who ran in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, sold for $375,000 at the Inglis Digital sale.
OwnerView webinar talks condylar fractures
The latest OwnerView webinar, the last one of 2024, discussed dealing with condylar fractures.
Statewide “Preakness Festival” announced for 2025
Gov. Wes Moore and other Maryland luminaries on Wednesday announced a statewide Preakness Festival to take place in 2025.
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.
