MARYLAND, VIRGINIA RENEW DUAL STATE-BRED STAKES PROGRAM FOR 2026–27

Maryland and Virginia will again partner on a dual state-bred and state-sired stakes program, continuing a successful cooperative effort that strengthens regional racing opportunities for horsemen in both states.

The expanded schedule will feature stakes races from June 2026 through March 2027 restricted to horses that are Maryland-bred or -sired and Virginia-bred or -sired, building on the success of the inaugural 2025–26 program.

That initial collaboration included 16 stakes races totaling $1.8 million in purses, with the Virginia HBPA contributing $750,000 toward Virginia's portion of the series.

The initiative is part of a broader regional strategy that aligns racing schedules between the two states. During the summer, Maryland racing pauses for much of the Colonial Downs meet, while Maryland-bred runners remain eligible for the state’s standard Owner and Developer bonuses when competing at Colonial Downs and Delaware Park.

LAUREL PARK OPENS SERIES JUNE 20

The 2026–27 dual stakes program will begin at Laurel Park on Saturday, June 20 with a pair of $100,000 turf events:

• Jameela Stakes – Fillies and mares, 6 furlongs, Turf
• Ben’s Cat Stakes – 3-year-olds and up, 6 furlongs, Turf

Both races are open to Maryland-bred or -sired and Virginia-bred or -sired horses.

COLONIAL DOWNS STAKES SCHEDULE

Colonial Downs will host six dual-eligible stakes races, each with a purse of $125,000:

July 4

• Star De Naskra – 3-year-olds, 7 furlongs
• Miss Disco – 3-year-old fillies, 7 furlongs

August 15

• The Find – 3-year-olds and up, 1 1/16 miles (turf)
• All Brandy – Fillies and mares, 1 1/16 miles (turf)

August 29

• Jamestown – 2-year-olds, 5 ½ furlongs (turf)
• Dolley Madison – 2-year-old fillies, 5 ½ furlongs (turf)

Additional stakes to be run at Laurel Park later in the meet will be announced as part of the finalized stakes schedule.

COMPLEMENTING THE $700,000 BONUS PROGRAM

The dual state-bred stakes schedule aligns with the continued expansion of the Maryland Owner & Developer Bonus Program, which has been increased to $700,000 in 2026, up from $600,000 in 2025.

The 2026 bonus program will run from July 3 through August 23, coinciding with the Laurel Park summer break and providing additional incentives for Maryland-breds competing at Colonial Downs and Delaware Park.

STRENGTHENING REGIONAL RACING

The continued collaboration between Maryland and Virginia reflects a shared commitment to enhancing racing opportunities, increasing purses, and supporting breeders, owners, and trainers across the Mid-Atlantic region.

By coordinating stakes schedules and incentive programs, both states are working to create a stronger, more competitive racing circuit that benefits horsemen on both sides of the partnership.

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