Racing Returns To Timonium State Fair For 7-Day Meet

Preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated annual seven-day meet at the Maryland State Fair at Timonium. This year’s event, renowned for its thrilling races and vibrant atmosphere, promises to be a highlight on the racing calendar, featuring the ever-popular $20,000 Trainer’s Bonus program.

The meet is scheduled to span two action-packed weekends: from Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25, and again from Friday, August 30 through Monday, September 2. A key highlight of the event is the prestigious $75,000 Shine Again Stakes, set for Saturday, August 24. This race is open to fillies and mares that have not won an open sweepstakes, adding an extra layer of excitement for participants and spectators alike.

Trainers should take note of the multiple conditions available for $5,000 claiming horses, detailed in the condition book released by Georganne Hale, the Maryland Jockey Club Director of Racing Development, who also serves as the Timonium racing secretary. Hale has reported palpable enthusiasm among local horsemen for the fair meet, which is famed for its exhilarating four-furlong dashes.

The Trainer’s Bonus program, a staple of the Timonium meet, offers substantial rewards across two categories. The first category is for trainers who have started 65 or more horses between January 1, 2024, and July 31, 2024. The second category caters to trainers who have started three or more horses but fewer than 65 within the same period.

Points for both categories are awarded based on performance: five points for each win, four points for second place, three points for third place, two points for fourth place, and one point for each starter. It is important to note that points are awarded only for a horse’s first start at the Timonium meet, and a second start does not contribute to a trainer’s points.

The prize money for each category is as follows: $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, $1,500 for third place, $600 for fourth place, and $400 for fifth place. Additionally, horses are not permitted to be transferred to another trainer during the Timonium meet, ensuring fairness and consistency throughout the event.

As the fair approaches, anticipation continues to build among trainers, jockeys, and racing enthusiasts. The Maryland State Fair at Timonium is set to deliver an unforgettable racing experience, celebrating the dedication and skill of the local racing community.

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