Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association

MTHA Now Providing Custom Towels For Stakes

Details: 03 Jul

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association will be providing custom saddle towels for stakes—other than those on Preakness weekend—in Maryland beginning July 2 at Laurel Park.

The MTHA Board of Directors at a meeting in May discussed the idea as part of an ongoing effort to improve the racing experience for owners.

Organizers of the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championships Series (MATCH) this year began putting each horse’s name and the MATCH logo on the saddle towels for all series stakes.

Joint Response to Draft Anti-Doping and Medication Control Protocol and Related Proposed Regulations

Details: 02 Jul

The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, Thoroughbred Owners of California and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association on July 1 sent a joint response to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority regarding the first draft of rules that will govern the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

The organizations noted the letter is only the first response, and that they expect to offer further comment on the rules as the approval process under the Federal Trade Commission progresses. The HISA law mandates public comment periods for all proposed rules. A THA committee was active in making suggestions for changes or improvements to the rules that govern the HISA Racetrack Safety Program, which took effect July 1.

July 2022 Newsletter Available

Details: 01 Jul

The July 2022 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.

Communication and Consistency Stressed At Track Surface Meeting

Details: 29 Jun

A meeting to provide an update on the racing surfaces at Laurel Park included a discussion on ensuring trainers and regulatory veterinarians regularly communicate when horses are injured during training hours.

During the June 29 meeting hosted by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and held via Zoom, several trainers said they’ve had horses suffer injuries—some minor and others more serious—during training hours at Laurel. Trainer Lacey Gaudet, a member of the MTHA Board of Directors, said some trainers are scared to breeze horses, and that some horses “don’t come back well” after doing so.

Match Series Returns To Laurel Park In July

Details: 27 Jun

The Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championships Series (MATCH) will reach its midpoint July 16 when Laurel Park hosts stakes in all four 2022 divisions.

The Saturday program will feature the $150,000 Frank J. DeFrancis Memorial Dash (3-Year-Olds and Up Sprint—Dirt division), $100,000 Alma North Stakes (Filly and Mare Sprint—Dirt division), $100,000 Prince George’s County Stakes (3-Year-Olds and Up Long—Turf division) and $100,000 Big Dreyfus Stakes (Filly and Mare Long—Turf division).

HISA provides update on select Safety Program rules

Details: 24 Jun

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority June 24 provided the following update regarding enforcement of its Racetrack Safety Program rules and registration requirements.

Rule 2276. Horseshoes

New horseshoe requirements will not be enforced until Aug. 1, 2022, to ensure adequate inventory of HISA-compliant horseshoes.

Rule 2281. Riding crop specifications

The riding crop specification rule will not be enforced until Aug. 1, 2022, to enable adequate inventory of HISA-compliant crops. (Note: Rule 2280. Use of riding crop will be enforced July 1, 2022.