Weekly Backstretch Events A Hit With Horsemen
The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association this year has stepped up its events for backstretch workers and horsemen at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, and the results have been positive.
The MTHA hired Frank Douglas part-time beginning in January, and he has been overseeing a host of events that began at Laurel and have expanded to Pimlico. The most recent, a pool tournament held at noon April 3 in the Laurel Recreation Room, had 10 players but Douglas said others showed up and wanted to participate. The tournament required a low-cost buy-in that was supplemented by funds from the MTHA.
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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, on the second floor of the clubhouse at Laurel Park.