What's Happening Across Maryland Racing

The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) has announced the debut of the Fair Hill Turf Showcase, a two-day racing event scheduled for Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Cecil County.

Virtual signups will again be the primary means to participate in the Maryland Backstretch Pension Plan, which this year will receive a $1-million contribution as approved by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Board of Directors.

The partnership of Madison Avenue Racing Stable, Morris Kernan Jr. and Jagger Inc. was voted Owner of the Year; Brittany Russell was voted Trainer of the Year; and apprentice Yedsit Hazlewood was voted Jockey of the Year during the 2025 Renaissance Awards luncheon March 22 at Laurel Park.

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA), in coordination with the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC), has approved an increase in minimum purse payouts for all placing positions, further strengthening support for horsemen across the Maryland racing program.

In a continued collaborative effort to strengthen field size and enhance wagering appeal, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA), in partnership with the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC), has approved a targeted purse adjustment for turf races moved to the main track.

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) Board of Directors has unanimously approved the creation of a new, dedicated email address designed to strengthen communication and engagement with its membership.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) will be on-site at Laurel Park on Tuesday, April 22, as part of its ongoing listening tour focused on hearing directly from horsemen and industry participants across the country.

The MTHA Purse Committee, with subsequent approval from the Board of Directors, has approved several changes to the Laurel Park condition book that will take effect beginning with the April 2026 condition book.

A Celebration of Life for trainer King T. Leatherbury, who passed away February 10 at age 92, is planned for Saturday, April 18, at Laurel Park.