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.
Joe Clabes named PDJF executive director
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) announced it has named Joe Clabes its new executive director.
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.
Eclipse Awards ceremony set for Jan. 26
The 52nd annual Eclipse Awards will take place Thursday, Jan. 26 and be aired on FanDuel TV, as well as being streamed online.
Doug Daniels joins HISA horsemen’s advisory group
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) today announced the addition of Virginia veterinarian Doug Daniels to its horsemen’s advisory group.
Delaware Park to race 85 days in ’23
Delaware Park will race 85 days in 2023, about the same as last year, under a schedule approved Jan. 17 by the state Racing Commission.
Jockey Avery Whisman, 23, passes away
Avery Whisman, a jockey who forged a strong relationship with Hall of Famer Mike Smith and rode numerous winners in the Mid-Atlantic, died January 11.
Preakness “Art of Racing” contest returns
The Preakness “Art of Racing” contest will return this year, as 1/ST Racing, the Maryland Institute College of Art, and Park Heights team up.
Virginia-Certified program to undergo changes
The Virginia-certified residency program, which encourages people to send young horses to Virginia, will operate with new limitations this year.
Laurel Park unveils 2022 Q1 stakes schedule
Laurel Park’s 2022 first-quarter stakes schedule will include 17 events worth a total of $1.9 million, topped by two Grade 3 sprints.
Maryland racing to recognize grooms
A new partnership between the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Md. Jockey Club will recognize grooms each racing day.
TAA makes nearly $4 million in aftercare grants
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance today announced it was making nearly $4 million in grants to 82 organizations.
Delaware: Dream Marie DQ upheld
The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission narrowly voted to uphold the disqualification of Obeah S. winner Dream Marie with an Amicar positive.
Delaware Commission hears from new owners
The new Delaware Park ownership group told the Delaware Commission today it didn’t have “any changes planned” for the racetrack operation.
Video: Still dancing, Billy Christmas and Eddie Gaudet
With word that longtime racetracker Billy Christmas has passed away, we were reminded of a 2013 video we did with Billy Christmas and Eddie Gaudet.
Remembrance: Sam Huff
NFL Hall of Famer Sam Huff, who passed away Nov. 13, also made his mark on racing as cofounder of West Virginia Breeders’ Classics.
Horseracing Integrity body proposes regs
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the new federal “anti-doping” body for racing, issued its proposed regulations today.
29 Thoroughbred aftercare groups accredited
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance today announced it had accredited 29 aftercare groups, bringing to 82 the total number of accredited aftercare groups.
