Maryland Business
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.
Bill Knauf: “The tools are here”
The new nonprofit Maryland track operator has its work cut out for it, but head Bill Knauf said he believes all the tools are in place for it to succeed.
“He made dreams come true”: Galerio gets a soft landing
Galerio won a stake and nearly $700,000, but it took some work, and the kindness of strangers, to get him the retirement he earned.
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.
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.
“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.
MJC: Ken Brown retiring as track superintendent
Maryland Jockey Club track superintendent Ken Brown has retired effective Dec. 1, with longtime crew member Danny Finke the interim replacement.
Laurel Park cancels all weekend racing
Laurel Park will cancel all three days of live racing this weekend, and its three Saturday stakes will return as extras for Friday, Nov. 29.
Laurel Park cancels November 22 card
Laurel Park officials canceled the track’s Friday, Nov. 22 card after jockeys expressed concerns about the condition of the racetrack.
MTROA: Pimlico plan may preserve current track layout
Maryland’s MTROA may jettison its plan to rotate the Pimlico racing strip, saving the historic track and a substantial amount of money.
Showing of “Maryland’s Horse” slated for Nov. 25
The Maryland Horse Library and Education Center on November 25 will present a showing of “Maryland’s Horse,” a 1960s-era film about racing.
Jeiron Barbosa shifting tack to the Fair Grounds
Twenty-year-old jockey Jeiron Barbosa will shift his tack from Laurel to the Fair Grounds in New Orleans for the meet that begins November 22.
Maryland Jockey Club to race 120 days in 2025
The Maryland Jockey Club will race 120 days in 2025, with seven more days run at Timonium, under a slate approved by the Racing Commission Monday.
Maryland Horse Forum report released
Organizers have released a Final Report from the daylong 2024 Maryland Horse Forum, including notes, observations, and recommendations.
MHBA to host Handicapping 101 session
The Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) will host a free Handicapping 101 event October 28 to get you ready for Breeders’ Cup.
Cathy Schmidt to receive Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award
Cathy Schmidt, founder and Executive Director of Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, has been selected as the 2024 Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award recipient.
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.
