Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association

Laurel barns quarantined; MJC issuing EHV-1 protocols

Details: 10 Mar

The Maryland Jockey Club has limited equine travel at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course and is preparing official protocols in the wake an equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) case that has led to the quarantine of four barns at Laurel.

The situation was discussed March 9 during a Zoom meeting organized by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen Association. Regular updates will be provided for the duration of the quarantine period, which at the outset is 14 days beginning March 8

The MJC later said that racing has been canceled Friday, March 12, because of the impact of the EHV-1 quarantine. Races from Friday will be brought back as extras March 13-14.

“A rapid response to this is how we keep it contained,” said Steve Koch, Vice President of Racing for The Stronach Group who is based at Laurel. “We have to be super-diligent these 14 days.”

Laurel reopens to limited number of patrons, owners now allowed backstretch access

Details: 08 Mar

Laurel Park reopen for a limited number of patrons on live race days Friday, March 5, and also beginning immediately, licensed owners will be permitted access to the backstretch once again under specific protocols.

As was the case last fall when Laurel Park’s frontside reopened for patrons for about a month, the limit remains 250 people per orders from the state of Maryland and Anne Arundel County.

March 2021 Newsletter Available

Details: 08 Mar

The March 2021 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.

Distances slightly altered for Dahlia, Henry Clark turf stakes

Details: 07 Mar

Due to necessary turf maintenance and the available lanes that are able to utilized, distances for the turf stakes Dahlia and Henry Clark on April 17 at Laurel Park must be changed to 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

The purse for each stakes is $100,000. The Dahlia, for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up, and the Henry Clark for 3-year-olds and up, had both been scheduled for one mile on the grass.

Nominations to both stakes close April 3.

MD General Assembly working on bill to enable sports betting

Details: 02 Mar

Legislation that would facilitate sports betting operations in Maryland has been introduced in the House of Representatives and has been the subject of multiple hearings and workshops since mid-February.

Maryland voters in November 2020 approved sports betting via constitutional amendment. During the shortened 2020 General Assembly session, both houses held hearings on sports betting bills but opted to proceed with a simplified ballot question and work on enacting legislation in 2021.

The measure, which includes mobile wagering on sports, has been taken up by the House Ways and Means Committee. A sports betting bill had not been filed in the Senate as of March 1, but that chamber’s Budget and Taxation Committee thus far has held two sports betting workshop to get input on legislation.

And the 2020 Renny winners are ...

Details: 24 Feb

The winners of the Renaissance Awards, which recognize excellence in the Maryland racing and breeding industry, are being announced by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association from Feb. 22-28.

As the champions are announced, links to videos will be posted here. Award winners will be announced on MHBA social media twice a day.

Congratulations to the 2020 Renaissance Award champions.