Legislation that would authorize the rebuild of Pimlico Race Course, construction of a new training center and creation of a non-profit under the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 104-34 on April 1.

The Maryland Jockey Club April 2 received approval from the Maryland Racing Commission for a 33-day summer meet at Laurel Park. Live racing will begin Friday, May 31 following the 11-day Preakness meet and conclude Sunday, Aug. 18.

The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (THA) held its annual meeting and election of officers in Florida March 19-20. Tina Marie Bond, President of the New York Toroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), was elected President of the national organization. She is the first woman to head the THA since its inception in 1994.

The seventh Renaissance Awards, which recognize the best of Maryland Thoroughbred racing and breeding each year, will be celebrated Wednesday, April 17, at the Marriott Owings Mills.

The winners of a host of awards recognizing the best of Maryland racing and breeding in 2023 were announced the week of Feb. 26-March 1 by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Horse Breeders Association. They will be honored at the April 17 Renaissance Awards dinner at the Marriott Owings Mills.

The 2023 statistics from the national Equine Industry Database show that Maryland Thoroughbred racetracks had a very positive year in terms of the number of equine racing fatalities.