Business
“Gun-shy” horsemen sound off on Laurel Park track surface
The final Maryland Racing Commission meeting of the 1/ST era of racing included discussion, once again, of the condition of the Laurel Park main track.
Colonial Downs awarded 44 live days for 2025
Colonial Downs will race 44 days in 2025, starting with a 3-day spring meet and then continuing with 41 summer racing days.
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.
Pimlico Plus bill gets General Assembly OK
The Maryland General Assembly gave legislative signoff to the PImlico Plus bill in a busy last day of the session, sending it to Gov. Wes Moore.
“Hot potato” Pimlico Plus bill moving towards passage
An amended version of the Pimlico Plus legislation began a sprint to the finish line, passing quickly through the Senate en route to House consideration.
Abnel Bocachica shifting tack to New York
Apprentice rider Abnel Bocachica, son of Charles Town leading jockey Arnaldo Bocachica, will shift his tack to New York.
Senate panel raises Pimlico Plus bill questions
With just three days until the end of the legislative session, a Senate committee took its first hard look at the PImlico Plus bill and had many questions.
Jack Harlow will headline Preakness Live
Grammy-nominated artist Jack Harlow will headline the Preakness Live concert following the running of the 149th Preakness May 18.
Jim McKay Turf Sprint to be part of US-UK partnership
The Jim McKay Turf Sprint, a Preakness weekend staple at Pimlico, will be part of a trans-Atlantic race series with races in Britain and California.
Maryland stallion season auction underway
The Maryland stallion season auction held by the Maryland Horse Foundation has kicked off and will run through January 7.
Maryland Racing Commission notes for Jan. 2, 2024
At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Maryland Racing Commission greeted a new chair, agreed to continue its relationship with HISA, and more.
Md. Horse Foundation launches clothing drive
The Maryland Horse Foundation has kicked off a clothing drive to provide winter clothing and riding attire for young equestrians in need.
Maryland horsemen, tracks reach ’24 operating agreement
Maryland horsemen and breeders have reached an agreement with the Maryland Jockey Club that will keep racing afloat through 2024, the horsemen announced.
Charles Town Oaks to be G2 in ’24; 5 Midlantic stakes downgraded
Stellar subsequent efforts by recent Charles Town Oaks winners helped it receive Grade 2 status for 2024, in contrast to several other Midlantic stakes.
Longtime Maryland racing commissioner Ernie Grecco passes
Longtime Maryland Racing Commission member Ernie Grecco, a friend to labor and a fan of Pimlico Race Course, passed this week at 81.
Md. Million Classic appeal dropped; Ain’t Da Beer Cold wins
The appeal of a stewards’ DQ of Market Maven in the Maryland Million Classic was dropped at the last moment, leaving Ain’t Da Beer Cold the winner.
Wanamaker’s December catalog now available
The catalog for Wanamaker’s December online horse auction is now available, with the sale set for December 21.
Maryland tracks to see purse reduction in 2024
Overnight purses at Maryland’s “mile tracks,” Laurel Park and Pimlico, will decline by about nine percent in 2024, down from this year’s all-time high.
