Business
Penn Mile to be delayed another week
The Grade 3 Penn Mile, originally scheduled for May 30 but pushed back for three weeks, now will be delayed to June 27 because of weather issues.
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.
Laurel: Nominations released for March 22 stakes
Stakes nominations are up for two sophomore stakes to be run at Laurel Park March 22, and more than 50 horses are listed.
MHBA Yearling Show purse premium winners announced
Horses that participate in the annual MHBA Yearling Show can earn purse premiums at two and three. Here are the 2024 winners.
Maryland OTBs push for historical horse racing machines
Saying that OTBs are a “failing industry” and retail sports betting a failure, too, Maryland OTBs are pushing for historical horse racing machines.
US wagering handle up slightly in November
With more days of live racing and solid Breeders’ Cup results, US wagering handle was up slightly in November versus the prior year.
Paco Lopez hit with “indefinite” suspension
Paco Lopez will sit out an “indefinite” suspension following an incident at Parx Racing in which he struck his mount in the face with his whip.
“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.
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.
Equibase remote charting initiative to start at Charles Town
Equibase is looking to centralize much of its chart calling and creation in Kentucky, and Charles Town will be the first track with no on-site chart caller.
May wagering handle ticks up
Driven by record wagering on the Kentucky Derby, national wagering handle increased slightly in May versus the prior year.
HISA announces quarterly reduction in fatality rate
The rate of equine fatalities in the first quarter of ’24 was approximately 38% lower than last year, HISA said in a press release.
Fasig-Tipton June sale last call for 2yo sales
The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic June 2yo sale catalog is out. The sale is the last call for the year for those looking to buy juveniles.
Delaware Park cancels June 6 card
After heavy rains buffeted the East Coast Wednesday, Delaware Park officials decided to cancel the track’s June 6 card.
Penn Mile sets new track handle record
Friday’s Penn Mile night handle at Penn National shattered the track record, set on the event last year.
Laurel Park announces summer stakes schedule
The Laurel Park summer stakes schedule, topped by the Frank De Francis Memorial Dash, kicks off June 16 and includes several Sunday stakes.
Jockey wellness conference planned for October 9-11
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Jockeys’ Guild will hold an international jockey wellness conference in October.
National HBPA sets conference for July 23-26
The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) will hold its annual conference July 23-26 at Iowa’s Prairie Meadows.
Racehorse welfare and safety summit topics announced
The 11th Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit will take place June 25 and focus on how the industry can build on success in reducing fatalities.
