Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association

New Aftercare Program In Development

Details: 22 Nov

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association is moving closer to the launch of a greatly expanded aftercare program that includes additional funding and the tracking of retired racehorses.

The MTHA Oct. 4 authorized a commitment of $25,000 a year over five years to the newly created “Beyond The Wire” Thoroughbred aftercare program. The Maryland Horse Breeders Association and Maryland Jockey Club have agreed to similar contributions to participate in the program, while the Maryland jockey colony collectively has agreed to participate through per-mount contributions.

“It’s so great to have the entire industry support this important cause,” commented MTHA Executive Director David Richardson. “We’re all in this together and we all have an interest in providing long term homes for our retired race horses.”

Maryland Racing Calendar Expands in 2017

Details: 16 Nov

The Maryland racing calendar will expand to 162 days of racing at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course in 2017, up from 154 days this year, the Maryland Jockey Club announced. The expansion is a 14 day improvement from 2013.

State racing officials called the calendar a promising marker for the health of Maryland racing, given that many tracks around the country are cutting dates.

"It is an improvement," Maryland Racing Commission chairman John McDaniel said. "This is what we want, to continue to increase racing days."

The racing commission unanimously approved the calendar, which will be highlighted by the 142nd Preakness on May 20 at Pimlico.

Download complete 2017 calendar here.

Maryland Trainer Joe Tuminelli Passes

Details: 07 Nov

Joe Tuminelli, a Maryland-based trainer who won hundreds of races in his career, died Nov. 6 in Baltimore, Md. He was 74.

Tuminelli, who lived in Cockeysville, Md., graduated from the University of Baltimore with a bachelor’s degree in English before embarking on his career working with Thoroughbreds. His horses earned more than $4 million.

Perryville OTB Opens For Business

Details: 31 Oct

The Maryland Jockey Club opened its second casino-based off-track betting parlor Oct. 31 at Hollywood Casino at Perryville in Cecil County.

The betting area, located adjacent the poker room and a bar at the casino located just off Interstate 95 between Baltimore and the Delaware state line, includes 30 betting carrels with high-definition televisions and four 75-inch high-definition TVs. It will be open seven days a week.
MJC president and general manager Sal Sinatra said he's pleased the facility is open in time for the Nov. 4-5 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park.

November 2016 Newsletter Available

Details: 31 Oct

newsletter2016 11 The November 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 licensed owners and trainers in the state of Maryland.

Services Set For Karen Pryzbyla

Details: 30 Oct

The Maryland Horsemen’s Assistance Fund has scheduled a memorial service to celebrate the life of Karen Ann Pryzbyla, a long-time pony person who died Oct. 24 after a lengthy battle with leukemia. She was 64.

The service will be held Nov. 3 at 11:30 a.m. in TIPS in the Laurel Park clubhouse. On Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m., a memorial service will be held at Donaldson Funeral Home Chapel, which is located at 313 Talbott Ave. in Laurel.