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Maryland legislature votes to create Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority
Legislation that will create the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, an entity that will participate in the development of racing and training facilities in the state, passed the state Senate by a 47-0 vote April 6 and the House of Representatives by a vote of 132-2 on April 10, the last day of the 2023 General Assembly session.
If signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore—he is expected to do so—the legislation will take effect June 1, one month before the end of an extended negotiating period for a new racing agreement among the Maryland Jockey Club, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Horse Breeders Association. The 10-year racing agreement expired Dec. 31, 2022, and the negotiations were extended through June 30.
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At its September 9 open Board meeting, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) Board of Directors voted unanimously to increase the purse allocation for finishers from 6th place through last in overnight races. The payout, which had been fixed at $300 since April 2022, will now rise to $500, effective immediately.
Maryland horsemen have emerged as meaningful beneficiaries of the collaborative dual-state stakes schedule and new bonus incentives, according to statistics covering the period from June 21 through August 23 of this year.
