What's Happening Across Maryland Racing

The Maryland starting gate fee will increase by $15 under a new structure approved by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Board of Directors at its Dec. 13 meeting. The current fee of $50 will increase to $65 when the Laurel Park winter meet begins Jan. 17, 2025.

The annual MTHA Toy Drive, held on Dec. 21 in the Laurel Park track kitchen, brought holiday cheer to about 60 children who received toys and enjoyed a magical visit from Santa Claus. Organized with care by MTHA Office Manager Diana Pinones, who begins planning months in advance, the event was once again a heartwarming highlight of the season.

An online Jockey Mental Wellness Program is now available in English and Spanish for interested riders. MTHA Counselor Jessica Hammond met recently with jockeys at Laurel Park to explain the program, which is being offered around the country.

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, at Tycoons in the Laurel Park clubhouse.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) will implement its 150-day layoff report rule beginning Thursday, December 5. As a result, the forms previously used by Maryland horsemen will no longer be valid.

The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) has appointed Danny Finke, a long-time member of its track maintenance team, as the Interim Track Superintendent at Laurel Park following the retirement of Ken Brown.

Mike Hopkins, who has served as Executive Director of the Maryland Racing Commission since 2002 and has worked for the commission since 1984, was recognized by the Maryland racing community during a Nov. 20 retirement party at Laurel Park.

As the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority continues in the schematic-design phase for new Pimlico Race Course, it appears a major change to the original plans will be made.

Laurel Park will offer $2.7 million over 25 stakes during its 2025 winter-spring meet, the first under the new not-for-profit entity called The Maryland Jockey Club. All of the stakes will be offered on eight Saturdays.

The Maryland Thoroughbred racing calendar for 2025, formulated with input from various industry organizations, was approved by the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority during its Nov. 15 meeting. The schedule was devised in part to foster regional cooperation in the Mid-Atlantic region and to maximize the available horse population.

The Maryland Jockey Club, through its Security Department, would like to remind the community on policies related to dormitory rooms.Any employee who leaves the backstretch for vacations, temporary relocation at another racetrack, or travel for visas and other immigration-related reasons, etc., is required to give the Security Department advance notice. Upon departure, all room keys should be left with Security.

The Maryland backstretch community celebrated Thanksgiving Nov. 28 with free meals throughout the day at Laurel Park.The Paz family, who operates the kitchens on the backstretch and in the jocks room at Laurel Park, served more than 350 full turkey dinners from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., which was open for live racing. The meals included stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans and corn.