MTHA schedules community webinar to discuss ongoing racing shutdown

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association will host a racing community webinar and question-and-answer session Thursday, April 16, to discuss the ongoing shutdown of live racing in the state and related issues due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The webinar, which will begin at 2 p.m., will allow for an open forum for discussion of issues brought about by the shutdown; health and safety protocols in the stable areas; and to provide as much clarity as possible on the status of live racing in the state. Representatives of the MTHA, Maryland Jockey Club and The Stronach Group are expected to be avaible.

Click here to register for the webinar.

The MTHA and Maryland Horsemen's Assistance Fund also announced that two small businesses with close ties to Maryland horse racing have been retained to produce reusable masks for backstretch workers at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course.

Cathy Morse, who owns Stitches by Chloe, an Easton company that produces owner colors, saddlecloths, paddock blankets and other related items; and Laura Bravo, a longtime backstretch worker and seamstress, have begun the process of making the masks, which are in short supply in many locations.

The MTHA expects production of about 750 masks to be completed by the weekend of April 18-19 with arrival the following week. Distribution on the backstretch will be organized by the MTHA and MJC security personnel.