Pension Deadline June 1

Monday, May 1, 2023

Virtual sign-ups for the Maryland Backstretch Pension Plan have been a success the last three years and continue to be available with a deadline of June 1, 2023 at backstretchpension.com.

Those employed in the care of horses on the backstretch at Laurel Park, Pimlico or the Fair Hill Training Center, including trainers, are eligible to participate. However, the eligible employee must have worked a minimum of 1,000 hours during 2022 and provide documentation to that effect (with a W-2 or 1099 form, or tax return).

Benefits become available when the employee reaches the age of 65, or at age 55 with 25 years of service. More about about the program, including qualifications, is available at: https://mdhorsemen.com.

Given the large number of people that sign up each year, you are encouraged to take advantage of the online signup portal at www.backstretchpension.com. The easy-to-use form is available in English and Spanish.

Latest Posts

John Waite To Headline Preakness Draw Party

The Preakness Stakes post-position draw will be held Monday, May 15, at Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore and will include a public concert by English musician John Waite, who is known for his many popular songs in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

John Passero Joins Team To Help Improve Laurel Park Surface

After days of negotiations, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Horse Breeders Association reached an agreement with the Maryland Jockey Club on hiring consultant John Passero to examine the Laurel Park dirt surface and make recommendations for its improvement in the wake of a string of equine injuries during training and racing.