Business
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.
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.
Maryland-bred champions announced
Future Is Now and Post Time are the big winners among Maryland-bred champions, announced this week, with the horse of the year still to be revealed.
“He loved this game”: Owner-breeder Larry Johnson passes
Larry Johnson, who put his stamp on the Thoroughbred industry on racetracks and in boardrooms in Maryland and Virginia, passed away Feb. 4.
Enhanced Maryland-sired bonus soon to take effect
A program to bolster the value of horses that are both Maryland-bred and Maryland-sired is set to take effect with the current crop of two-year-olds.
Fair Hill Training Center tabs new GM
Fair Hill Training Center, the 350-acre training facility in northeastern Maryland, has hired veteran horseman Robert Croteau as general manager.
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.
Former KY Sen. Damon Thayer to keynote HBPA conference
Damon Thayer — who championed racing during his tenure in the Kentucky General Assembly — will be the keynote speaker at the National HBPA Conference
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.
Charles Town cancels Wednesday, Thursday cards
With bitter cold in the forecast, Charles Town has canceled its live racing cards for Wednesday, January 8 and Thursday, January 9.
Chris Merz to head Maryland Racing Commission
Former Maryland Jockey Club racing secretary Chris Merz will be the new executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission.
Handle slumps in December as 2024 lags prior year
US wagering handle on Thoroughbred races plummeted 14% in December, as the industry suffered through another down year.
Mike Hopkins steps down after 40 years at Md. Racing Commission
Maryland Racing Commission executive director Mike Hopkins will retire after today, ending a career that spanned 40 years and many industry changes.
Jockey Club bars 12 from stud book access
The ruling announced by The Jockey Club bans 12 individuals from registering Thoroughbred foals for periods up to five years.
