Renaissance Awards Celebrate Maryland Racing’s Best

Hillwood Stable, trainer Brittany Russell, and jockey Jaime Rodriguez were honored as Maryland’s Owner, Trainer, and Jockey of the Year for 2024 during the Renaissance Awards celebration dinner, held April 11 at Laurel Park.

Hosted in partnership by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Maryland Horse Breeders Association, and Maryland Jockey Club, the Renaissance Awards celebrate the top achievements in Maryland racing and breeding. While finalists for eight MTHA awards were announced in advance, winners were kept under wraps until the evening’s presentations.

Among the night’s many highlights was the recognition of Cesar Cruz Salazar (Laurel Park) and Roberto Ronald Jiminez (Pimlico Race Course), who received trophies as Backstretch Workers of the Year—a tribute to the essential work done behind the scenes every day.

Post Time Dominates the Equine Awards

Ellen Charles’ Hillwood Stable, voted Owner of the Year, is the proud owner of Post Time, who had a standout 4-year-old campaign under the guidance of Russell. Based at Laurel Park, Post Time earned nearly $1 million in 2024, winning multiple graded stakes and finishing a close second in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. The Maryland-bred star was voted Horse of the Year, Champion Sprinter, Champion Older Male, and Champion Male Dirt Horse.

Brittany Russell and Jaime Rodriguez Repeat Dominance

For the second consecutive year, Brittany Russell led all Maryland trainers in victories with 114 wins and in-state earnings of more than $4.5 million. Her stable captured 11 stakes races in Maryland in 2024, including with top performers such as Post Time and Apple Picker. Jaime Rodriguez swept riding titles at all four Maryland Jockey Club meets—three at Laurel and one at Pimlico—while also securing his fourth consecutive riding title at Delaware Park. With 16 stakes victories in 2024, Rodriguez was the clear choice for Jockey of the Year.

‍Other Notable Equine Award Winners

Band Camp, a homebred racing for Rising Sun Racing Stables and trainer Annette Eubanks, was named Maryland Claimer of the Year. After breaking his maiden for a $12,500 tag, the gelding won seven races and earned $195,580, including a runner-up finish in the Maryland Million Sprint.

‍Witty, bred and trained by Elizabeth Merryman and co-owned with Qatar Racing and Marc Detampel, was honored as Maryland Male Turf Horse of the Year. Witty had a strong turf campaign that included a win in the King T. Leatherbury Stakes, and runner-up efforts in both the Jim McKay Turf Sprint at Pimlico and the Grade II Highlander Stakes at Woodbine.

‍Future Is Now, bred and owned by the late Larry Johnson, was voted Maryland Female Turf Horse, Champion Older Female, and Champion Turf Runner. Trained by Mike Trombetta, the standout filly earned over $600,000in 2024 with victories in the Grade II Intercontinental at Saratoga and the Grade II Franklin at Keeneland, plus a win in The Very One Stakes at Pimlico.

‍Apple Picker, bred and owned by Michael Dubb and trained by Russell, earned the title of Maryland Female Dirt Horse of the Year. Her 2024 season included victories in the Grade III Barbara Fritchie Stakes, Skipat Stakes on Preakness Day, and Alma North Stakes, compiling over $260,000 in earnings in six starts.

Established in 2018, the Renaissance Awards have become a cornerstone event celebrating Maryland’s finest in racing and breeding. Congratulations to all of the 2024 honorees for their incredible achievements and contributions to our industry.

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