Generosity at a time of need big help for backstretch community

The economic impact of COVID-19 on the racing industry brought forth the generosity of others in the form of a Pimlico Race Course "food pantry" that became more than a one-time event as intended and four different backstretch-wide meals at Pimlico and Laurel Park provided by a Thoroughbred owner based in Maryland.

Jessica Hammond of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and her husband, Scott, who manages the Maryland State Fair off-track betting operation and also serves as a clocker at Pimlico for the Maryland Jockey Club, saw a need in the backstretch community during the live racing shutdown that led some to be unemployed. They lease Somerset Farm in Harford County and found others willing to help out via their small lay-up operation.