Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association

Policy on deposits with Horsemen’s Bookkeeper

Details: 12 Nov

The policy of racetracks owned by The Stronach Group (1/ST Racing) is that no cash will be accepted by a Paymaster or Horsemen's Bookkeeper office for the purpose of depositing into a horsemen's account. The operation of transactions in and out of horsemen accounts is integral to racing, and as such the following procedures and policy are established for the purpose of compliance with BSA and racetrack policy.

At the company's Maryland tracks, funding of horsemen accounts is limited to: wire transfers, which are credited to an account upon receipt, including electronic bank transfers; check deposits, which have delayed availability with a 3-to-5 business day hold; and purse payouts, which are credited to account receipt.

MTHA Board Members Named To Important HISA Committee

Details: 01 Nov

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Oct. 17 announced the members of its new Horsemen’s Advisory Group, members for which were selected from more than 250 applications received from across the country.

The Horsemen’s Advisory Group beginning in November will meet monthly to provide feedback to HISA’s executive team and standing committees on the implementation and evolution of the HISA Racetrack Safety Program, which began in July of this year, and Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program, which begins Jan. 1, 2023.

Nominations Sought For Backstretch Employees Of The Year

Details: 01 Nov

Trainers at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course are encouraged to submit nominations for the MTHA Backstretch Employees of the Year for 2022.

The MTHA, as it has in previous years, will recognize one backstretch employee at each racetrack based on the nominations. The awards will be presented in early 2023.

The deadline to submit nominations is Dec. 15.

MTHA Preparing For Annual Toy Drive

Details: 01 Nov

The Maryland Thoroughrbed Horsemen's Association is preparing for its annual Christmas Toy Drive, which is scheduled for Sat., Dec 17, at 11am in the Laurel Park kitchen.

Those who wish to participate must submit the names of their children to Diana Pinones at 410-902-6844 by Friday, Nov. 18, in order to participate in this year’s event.

The Toy Drive event traditionally features a visit from Santa Claus as well as cookies and hot chocolate courtesy of the Paz family. Please note there is live racing at Laurel that day, so make sure you are on time for the toy distribution.

Two Maryland OTBs Now Taking Sports Bets

Details: 01 Nov

Two Maryland off-track betting facilities not tied to racetracks or casinos have commenced retail sports betting operations after having their licenses approved by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission and the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission.

Riverboat on the Potomac, which partnered with PointsBet, launched sports betting in early September. Greenmount Station, located in Carroll County, took its first sports wagers Oct. 28 in partnership with betPARX (Parx Interactive). On Oct. 28, PointsBet and betPARX were among 10 entities deemed as qualified for a mobile license by the MLGC.

Claiming Assessment Helps Beyond The Wire Cover Rising Costs

Details: 01 Nov

The 1.5% assessment on claims at Maryland racetracks enacted earlier this year to support the Beyond The Wire program was discussed during an Oct. 27 meeting of Mid-Atlantic region aftercare representatives who shared ideas on funding and other issues.

The assessment is used to cover the expense of shipping horses to partner retirement facilities, surgeries, and for their care while they reside at Thoroughbred Aftercare Association-accredited retraining and rehabilitation facilities. The average cost to put a horse through the program has increased to about $3,600, and the $16 per-start charge paid by owners barely covers shipping in most cases.