Herman Braude, a longtime Thoroughbred owner who raced horses on his own and in partnership in Maryland, passed away Feb. 28. He was 85.

R. Larry Johnson, the owner of Legacy Farm in Virginia, will be remembered as a passionate and successful breeder and owner whose impact on the Thoroughbred industry, particularly in Maryland and Virginia, spanned decades. His remarkable ability to consistently produce quality racehorses and his enduring contributions to the sport solidified his place as a respected leader in the industry.

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association has announced the 2024 finalists for various human and equine awards that will be presented as part of this year’s Renaissance Awards dinner, which will be scheduled for sometime this spring.

Cesar Cruz Salazar, who has worked for members of the Salzman family for more than 10 years after his graduation from high school in 2013, has been named the Laurel Park Groom of the Year for 2024.

The well-traveled Roberto Ronald Castillo, who has been working in the Maryland Thoroughbred industry four years, has been named the Pimlico Backstretch Worker of the Year for 2024.

Virtual sign-ups for the Maryland Backstretch Pension Plan have been a success the last few years and will again be available beginning in April with a deadline of June 1, 2025.

To streamline the occupational licensing process and align with federal regulations, the Maryland Racing Commission (MRC), in partnership with industry stakeholders and immigration specialists, has introduced a policy aimed at simplifying work eligibility verification.

The MTHA has lined up numerous events for the backstretch community through March as part of its Recreation Program.