Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association

New Waiver Condition, Bonus Changes

Details: 31 Dec

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Board of Directors in December approved a new waiver-claiming provision that takes effect with the first condition book in January 2022.

Maiden-claiming races for a tag of $25,000-$20,000 (purse $31,500) now offer a waiver provision for Maryland-sired horses only. The new provision will be regularly assessed to ensure it is meeting its goal of offering additional value for the owners of Maryland-sired runners.

Aftercare Funding Initiative To Begin Mid January

Details: 31 Dec

The MTHA Board of Directors has approved an initiative designed to increase funding for the Beyond The Wire aftercare program.

Effective the midde of January, pending some programing changes with the inCompass Bookkeping system, and with the blessing of the Maryland Racing Commission, there is an assessment of 1.5% on the price of a claimed horse at Maryland racetracks. For example, the new owner or ownership group that claims a horse for $10,000 would pay a $150 assessment that would be used to support racehorses accepted by Beyond The Wire.

2021 MTHA Toy Drive: A Huge Success!

Details: 31 Dec

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association in December hosted perhaps its most successful Christmas Toy Drive in history thanks to contributions from numerous individuals.

The toys were distributed the morning of Saturday, Dec. 18, in the Laurel Park Track Kitchen along with a visit from Santa Claus and refreshments again provided by the Paz family. The MTHA thanks all the owners and trainers who contributed toys or money to purchase toys; jockey Victor Carrasco; Beau Cavell with Hi Lo Auto Sales, who donated eight new children’s bicycles; and the Maryland Jockey Club and Laurel patrons, who donated toys through the track’s “bring a gift, get a gift” program the weekend before Christmas.

January 2022 Newsletter Available

Details: 31 Dec

The January 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.

Racing to resume at Laurel Park Dec. 16

Details: 14 Dec

Live racing will resume at Laurel Park Thursday, Dec. 16, given positive feedback received during a special Maryland Racing Committee held to provide an update on the reconstitution of the cushion material on the dirt track.

Though racing hasn’t been held the past two weeks, the track remained opened for light training and workouts were permitted beginning Dec. 10. Mike Rogers, Acting President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, told the commission Dec. 14 that almost 270 horses worked over a five-day period with positive results.

More than 1,200 tons of coarse sand was added to the surface in part to prepare it for winter racing. “We’ve seen dramatic improvement in the cushion in the colder weather,” Rogers said. “The feedback we have been getting has been very positive. I’ve personally received comments from trainers and riders. We’re very happy and pleased with where we are.”

“I definitely concur with Mike Rogers,” said trainer Tim Keefe, President of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. “We’re definitely seeing a different racetrack. Feedback from other trainers and the jockeys has been very positive. Everything is moving the right direction.”

Reminder on 2022 Continuing Education licensing requirement

Details: 14 Dec

All Maryland horsemen are reminded that a Continuing Education requirement takes effect with licensing for 2022.

The Maryland Racing Commission in late 2020 approved final regulations authorizing a CE requirement for trainers. Continuing education programs are part of the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities. According to the Maryland rule, trainers and assistant trainers, when licensed Jan. 1, 2022, must provide affirmation that they participated in four hours of continuing education in calendar year 2021. Two hours must be devoted to equine health and welfare.

The CE requirement will continue from year to year. The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association earlier in 2021 partnered with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and California Thoroughbred Trainers to form the online resource Horsemen U (www.HorsemenU.com), which offers educational and informational videos that count toward CE requirements. The website is regularly updated with new content, and trainers can register free of charge.