APRIL CONDITION BOOK TO SEE CHANGES

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (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.

The committee, which includes representatives from the MTHA, The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC), and at-large members, held a marathon meeting on March 1 to review the current racing program and consider adjustments designed to strengthen race opportunities and improve field composition. With too many races failing to fill, the consensus was that we need to consolidate categories and simplify the book to improve field size and race viability.

As part of the changes, the committee agreed to eliminate the double beaten $7,500 claiming condition and replace it with a $7,500 starter allowance condition. In addition, starter allowance conditions will be removed from other applicable races in the condition book.

To ensure a broader range of perspectives while evaluating meaningful potential changes, the committee invited several non-committee trainers — Kieron Magee, Kenny Cox, Hugh McMahon, Jonathan Maldonado and Dale Capuano — to provide input on the current racing program.

Claiming and Condition Adjustments

MAIDENS – DIRT

• Maiden Special Weight

• Maiden Claiming $35,000–$28,000 (MD-Bred/Sired may waive claiming price)

• Maiden Claiming $20,000–$16,000 (MD-Bred/Sired may run for $25,000)

• Maiden Claiming $12,500–$10,000 (MD-Bred/Sired may run for $15,000)

MAIDENS – TURF

• Maiden Special Weight

• Maiden $35,000–$28,000 (MD-Bred/Sired may waive claiming price)

• Maiden $16,000–$12,500 (MD-Bred/Sired may run for $20,000)

NON-WINNERS OF TWO LIFETIME – DIRT

• $30,000–$24,000 (MD-Bred/Sired may run for $37,500)

• $20,000–$16,000 (MD-Bred/Sired may run for $25,000)

• $12,500–$10,000 (MD-Bred/Sired may run for $15,000)

NON-WINNERS OF TWO LIFETIME – TURF

• $30,000–$24,000 (MD-Bred/Sired may run for $37,500)

• $16,000–$12,500 (MD-Bred/Sired may run for $20,000)

NON-WINNERS OF THREE LIFETIME – DIRT

• $30,000–$24,000

• $20,000–$16,000

• $12,500–$10,000

NON-WINNERS OF THREE LIFETIME – TURF

• $30,000–$24,000

• $16,000–$12,500

Additional Recommendations to the Board

The Purse Committee also voted to forward several recommendations to the MTHA Board of Directors for consideration, including:

• Increasing the minimum purse payment for horses finishing sixth through last from $500 to $1,000
• Adjustments to entry preference policies
• Future consideration of separate purse structures for dirt and turf races
• Potential distance modifications

These matters will be discussed at the MTHA Open Board Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in Tycoons at Laurel Park.

Summer Stakes Schedule Approved

In addition to the condition book revisions, the Purse Committee approved a $750,000 stakes schedule for the Laurel Park summer meet.

Seven stakes races will be conducted in June, highlighted by:

• June 20 — A pair of turf sprints for Maryland-bred or Maryland-sired and Virginia-bred or Virginia-sired runners
• June 27 — A four-stakes program headlined by the $150,000 Frank J. DeFrancis Memorial Dash

### About the Purse Committee

The Maryland Purse Committee plays a vital and collaborative role in shaping the structure and direction of Maryland’s live racing programs at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, and Timonium. The Purse Committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending policies related to purse distribution, stakes schedules, race conditions, and overall racing opportunities.

The Committee includes representatives from The Maryland Jockey Club, elected MTHA Directors, and at-large members chosen for their deep experience and insight into Maryland’s racing landscape. While the Committee’s recommendations are advisory in nature, all actions are subject to final approval by both the MTHA Board of Directors and The Maryland Jockey Club.

Through open discussion and industry input, the Purse Committee ensures that Maryland’s racing program remains competitive, fair, and responsive to the evolving needs of horsemen, racetracks, and racing fans alike.

CURRENT PURSE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Maryland Jockey Club:
Bill Knauf
Georganne Hale
Jillian Tullock

MTHA Directors:
A. Ferris Allen
Lacey Gaudet
Linda Gaudet
David Hayden
Michael Horning
Timothy Keefe
Charles Reed
Brittany Russell
Michael Trombetta
Katharine Voss

At-Large Members:
John J. Robb
Phil Schoenthal

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