What's Happening Across Maryland Racing

The Maryland Horse Breeders Association announced its Maryland-bred equine champions for 2024 as well as Breeder of the Year during the final week of February.

The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority at its February Board of Directors meeting discussed some details about the site plan being developed for the new Pimlico Race Course.

Family, friends, and members of the Maryland racing community gathered at Laurel Park on Feb. 26 to celebrate the life of Paul “Biggie” Johnson, who passed away on Feb. 5 at the age of 75.

Virtual sign-ups for the Maryland Backstretch Pension Plan have been a success the last few years and will again be available beginning in April with a deadline of June 1, 2025.

Officials with The Maryland Jockey Club during a Feb. 13 community meeting hosted by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association discussed safety protocols with members of the Laurel Park backstretch community who live on site in dormitories.

Herman Braude, a longtime Thoroughbred owner who raced horses on his own and in partnership in Maryland, passed away Feb. 28. He was 85.

R. Larry Johnson, the owner of Legacy Farm in Virginia, will be remembered as a passionate and successful breeder and owner whose impact on the Thoroughbred industry, particularly in Maryland and Virginia, spanned decades. His remarkable ability to consistently produce quality racehorses and his enduring contributions to the sport solidified his place as a respected leader in the industry.