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Pension Signups Open Now Thru June 1
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.
Signups will be available beginning April 1, with a deadline of June 1. The online registration form is available at: http://backstretchpension.com.
Backstretch workers and horsemen employed in the care of horses on the backstretch at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course 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 a 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/index.php/services/pension-program.
As part of the signup process you must submit a W2, 1099 or tax return documenting the earnings you reported on the registration form. You will also need your Maryland Racing Commission badge. You may do this by emailing a PDF or a photo of the tax documents and badge to info@mdhorsemen.com; texting a photo of the tax documents and badge to (443) 805-1995; or dropping forms off at the MTHA Racetrack Office at Laurel.
If you need assistance filling out the online form in English or Español, call Diana Pinones at 410-902-6844, Tom LaMarra at (859) 492-8365 or Jessica Hammond at (301) 776-0404. The MTHA staff would prefer that if you visit the office for assistance, please do so in the morning in the Recreation Room office at Laurel rather than during live racing. You are welcome to schedule an appointment.
You are not enrolled in the program until you receive confirmation of your successful registration. At this time you will also receive a current statement if you have been enrolled in the plan for at least two consecutive years. The following categories of licensees are not eligible to participate: owners (as opposed to owner/trainers), security, maintenance, valets, parking, mutuels, vendors, jockeys, or miscellaneous.
To Register, Eligible Horsemen Should Visit: backstretchpension.com
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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.
