Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association

Laurel Park training schedules to change to accommodate maintenance

Details: 18 Aug

The Maryland Jockey has announced changes to the training schedule at Laurel Park to accommodate a maintenance project on the main track that is expected to take one week.

The project is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Aug. 23. The entire schedule is subject to the weather and may need to be adjusted accordingly.

MJC Track Superintendent Chris Bosley said the work involves a section of the homestretch that was repaired in the fall of 2021. An inspection that was part of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Racetrack Safety Program, which began July 1, determined that the area requires further review, he said.

Custom Saddletowels A Hit With Horsemen

Details: 31 Jul

Owners and trainers alike gave high marks to the custom saddle towels they received as gifts in the five stakes on Saturday, July 30 at Laurel Park.

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association started providing custom saddle towels for non-graded stakes 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.

Hammond Receives Godolphin Award

Details: 30 Jul

The MTHA congratulates staff member Jessica Hammond for being recognized with the Dr. J. David Richardson Community Award for 2022 as part of the Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards.

The award recognizes those who have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the Thoroughbred industry, and in particular, to the greater good of the sport. It includes those who support the breeding and racing staff or have made an outstanding contribution to the wider Thoroughbred community.

Ideal candidates should work either for or with a charitable organization, or as part of the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred business for which they work. Nominees for the award do not need to be directly employed in the Thoroughbred industry. This year’s awards ceremony will be preseheldnted Oct. 14 at Keeneland.

Special Measurement Gauges Heat

Details: 30 Jul

As part of its equine health and safety protocols, the Maryland Jockey Club is using a special measurement to gauge when summer heat becomes dangerous.

MJC Acting President Mike Rogers explained the company uses a protocol called the WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measurement, which takes into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover to determine potential heat stress. It is different than the heat index, which takes into consideration temperature and humidity including for shady areas.

Continuing Ed Programs Expanded Under HISA

Details: 30 Jul

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act’s Racetrack Safety Program, which took effect July 1, 2022, includes expanded requirements for continuing education. Previous CE programs have dealt primarily with trainers.

The following is the HISA Continuing Rule, which is Section 2182 of the Racetrack Safety Program.

Horse Owner Campanella Passes

Details: 30 Jul

Vince Campanella, who had success as a Thoroughbred racehorse owner in Maryland and neighboring states for decades, died July 27 after a lengthy illness. He was 77.
A resident of Fulton, Md., Campanella was raised in Washington, D.C., and lived most of his life in Maryland. Upon graduation from high school, he worked at Read Plastics until his retirement at age 40.

Campanella’s horses won multiple stakes over an almost 20-year period. His runners won a combined 265 races and earned almost $7 million. Campanella had horses with multiple trainers including Jeff Runco and more recently Damon Dilodovico, who trains Campanella’s Going to the Lead, a winner of more than $280,000 who is based at Laurel Park.