MJC Ready To Show Off Exciting Changes During Maryland Million

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20 Oct

This year’s Maryland Million is more than a showcase of the state’s Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry—it also offers the Maryland Jockey Club an opportunity to unveil the investment it is making in the industry.

A major renovation of most of the Laurel Park clubhouse was completed in time for the Oct. 22 Maryland Million, which was launched in 1986. But it’s part of a much larger project: a rebuild of the entire facility with a look to the future, which could include Maryland’s first Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer for The Stronach Group, which owns Laurel and Pimlico Race Course, on Oct. 18 indicated Maryland is the right location for investment and growth.

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Perryville OTB Gets Approval

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06 Oct

The Maryland Racing Commission Oct. 5 approved a request by the Maryland Jockey Club to operate a satellite wagering facility at Hollywood Casino at Perryville in Cecil County.

It will be the second casino-based off-track wagering operation for the MJC, which earlier this year launched a betting parlor at Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore. The company plans to pursue a similar venture at the under-construction MGM National Harbor casino south of Washington, D.C.

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Horsemen’s Health Fair Coming to Laurel Park on October 27

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04 Oct

The latest impact of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s new health care program will be seen Thursday, Oct. 27, when the MTHA and MedStar Sports Medicine unveil their new Free Health Fair in the Laurel Park recreation room.

While the MTHA has sponsored a health fair for more than 20 years, this one will be noticeably different, according to Diana Pinones, center director for the Horsemen’s Health System, as free flu shots will be given, along with lipid profiles, prostate, blood pressure, body fat composition, carbon monoxide and skin cancer tests and screenings. Cholesterol tests also will be given, and participants are advised to fast for 10 hours prior to the test.

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October 2016 Newsletter Available

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01 Oct

The October 2016 edition of the Horsemen's Newsletter is now online and available for download. To view this edition click here

The Horsemen's Newsletter is published monthly by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and is mailed to each licensed owner and trainer in the state of Maryland.

New Resource For Job Hunters Within The Maryland Racing Industry

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19 Sep

A new online resource is available to link employers in the Maryland racing industry with those seeking jobs in the business.

The Facebook page “Maryland Racing Jobs” allows employers to post job openings and those seeking work to post information about themselves and positions they are seeking. Potential employers are asked to include a description of the job as well as contact information.

The MTHA is offering assistance to those who need help writing a post or translating a post. Information is available at 410-902-6842. Click here to visit the page.

MTHA’s Expedited Purse Release Program A Success

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14 Sep

Since the beginning of 2016, horsemen whose runners finished first or second in a race in Maryland have been forced to wait on average 12.5 days for their purse money to clear because of holds imposed because of state-mandated laboratory testing. Sometimes that wait has been three to close to four weeks because of holidays and other unforeseen circumstances.

Horsemen will be relieved to know that earlier this year, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen Association Board of Directors approved the implementation of the Expedited Purse Release Program, a program designed to speed payment of purses to owners and finishing first or second in an overnight after a 72 hour hold.

In the past, the funds were not allowed to be released until a clean laboratory test was returned from the accredited lab located in California. Horsemen learned to be patient.

“Horse racing is a tough game,” trainer Tim Salzman Jr. said. “We all try to do what we can to make a little money. When we win, we need that money as quick as possible – to pay the help, pay the feed bills. But you call the bookkeepers office and the money hasn’t cleared because they’re still waiting for the test results. People in other situations, it’s OK, they may not need the money, but most of us do.”

So the MTHA board took action.

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