What's Happening Across Maryland Racing

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association has announced the 2024 finalists for various human and equine awards that will be presented as part of this year’s Renaissance Awards dinner, which will be scheduled for sometime this spring.

Cesar Cruz Salazar, who has worked for members of the Salzman family for more than 10 years after his graduation from high school in 2013, has been named the Laurel Park Groom of the Year for 2024.

The well-traveled Roberto Ronald Castillo, who has been working in the Maryland Thoroughbred industry four years, has been named the Pimlico Backstretch Worker of the Year for 2024.

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.

To streamline the occupational licensing process and align with federal regulations, the Maryland Racing Commission (MRC), in partnership with industry stakeholders and immigration specialists, has introduced a policy aimed at simplifying work eligibility verification.

The MTHA has lined up numerous events for the backstretch community through March as part of its Recreation Program.

The MTHA provides free notary services to members of the backstretch community and other individuals working at Maryland racetracks. These services, conducted by a certified notary public, are regulated by the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State and must adhere to specific legal guidelines.

The Beyond The Wire aftercare program successfully placed 100 retired racehorses in 2024, bringing its total placements to nearly 900 since its launch in the spring of 2017.

The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority on Dec. 23 officially announced that Maryland’s new Thoroughbred training center, a central component of a comprehensive plan to strengthen the state’s racing industry, will be built at Shamrock Farm near Woodbine in Carroll County. The MTROA, an independent agency established by statute in 2023, announced plans to acquire 300 acres to construct a best-in-class equine training facility.

The Maryland racing community will come together in January to celebrate the life and legacy of Rodney Jenkins, a beloved trainer and equestrian who left an indelible mark on Maryland racing. Jenkins, a native of Middleburg, Va., passed away on Dec. 5 at the age of 80. A memorial service is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, Jan. 7, on the second floor of the clubhouse at Laurel Park.

Beginning in 2025, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association will no longer mail its monthly newsletter to members. This decision is part of a broader effort to reduce costs and allocate resources more effectively to better serve our members.

The Maryland Racing Commission at a special meeting in late December approved the transfer of the Thoroughbred racing license from the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority to The Maryland Jockey Club, the new not-for-profit entity that will operate Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course effective Jan. 1, 2025.