Family, friends, and members of the Maryland racing community gathered at Laurel Park on Feb. 26 to celebrate the life of Paul “Biggie” Johnson, who passed away on Feb. 5 at the age of 75.

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.

Officials with The Maryland Jockey Club during a Feb. 13 community meeting hosted by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association discussed safety protocols with members of the Laurel Park backstretch community who live on site in dormitories.

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.