Business
Virginia Derby gets 89 nominations
The March 15 Virginia Derby – for the first time a Kentucky Derby points race – received 89 nominations, while the Virginia Oaks got 57.
Book’em Danno repeats as NJ-bred horse of the year
Book’em Danno, a Grade 1 winner and earner of $800,000 in 2024, has been named New Jersey-bred Horse of the Year for the second year in a row.
Rodney Jenkins celebration to be Jan. 14
A celebration of trainer Rodney Jenkins’ life, postponed because of the weather, will take place Jan. 14 at Laurel Park.
Spikezone named HBPA Claiming Horse of the Year
Spikezone, who overcame two knee surgeries to go 11-for-14 as a 5-year-old, has been named the HBPA Claiming Horse of the Year.
Colonial Downs announces Va. Derby ticket options
Colonial Downs has announced ticket options and prices for Virginia Derby day, with the Derby, now a Kentucky Derby points race, to be Mar. 15.
Monmouth Park announces senior personnel moves
Monmouth Park announced a pair of senior personnel moves, elevating Bill Anderson to president and CEO and John Heims to general manager.
Bill Knauf to head Maryland Jockey Club
Bill Knauf, a longtime executive at Monmouth Park, will take the reins as the new head of the Maryland Jockey Club.
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.
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.
Matt Dinerman to be new Monmouth Park announcer
Oaklawn Park track announcer Matt Dinerman will take on the same role this spring at Monmouth Park, the track announced.
REPORT: Churchill Downs making Pimlico bid
The Baltimore Banner reports that Churchill Downs, Inc. has made an “overture” towards buying Pimlico, though its seriousness is unknown.
Maryland Racing Commissioners seek “more active role”
Amid an important legislative session in which the Maryland Racing Commission has been sidelined, some Commissioners’ frustration boiled over Tuesday.
April Midlantic stakes schedule told
Here’s April’s Midlantic stakes schedule for Laurel Park, Parx Racing, and Charles Town Races.
“Pimlico Plus” bill gets final House approval
The Maryland House of Delegates on Monday gave its final approval of legislation to put the “Pimlico Plus” into action, moving it to the Senate.
