What's Happening Across Maryland Racing

The next Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association Board of Directors meeting will be held Tuesday, June 17, at 11 a.m.

With the approval of legislation that authorizes the redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course and creation of a not-for-profit operator under the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, the planning process for operations after Jan. 1, 2025, has hit high gear.

Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Executive Director David Richardson met with horsemen and employees at Pimlico Race Course April 26 to discuss plans by Maryland Jockey Club to transition workers and horses later this year to Laurel Park as part of the ongoing plan to redevelop Pimlico.

The MTHA Board of Directors has approved a recommendation by its Purse Committee regarding claiming prices in maiden races.

Virtual signups for the Maryland Backstretch Pension Plan began April 1 and will continue through the deadline of June 1.

Beyond The Wire, Maryland’s Thoroughbred aftercare program, is fast approaching 800 horses placed since its launch in the spring of 2017.The program in recent years has expanded the number of Thoroughbred Aftercare Association-accredited farms that have accepted Maryland- based retirees. But as is the case throughout the industry, some facilities currently do not have the capacity to accept horses.