Important daily information on MD racing available through WhatsApp

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and The Maryland Jockey Club are using a group of WhatsApp chats to communicate important information related to racing office activities, important backstretch notices, and regular updates on events.

WhatsApp can be accessed by downloading the app on your phone. You can also download the app to your computer, and have access through both platforms.

There are four “communities” employed by the MTHA and TMJC: Laurel Park Trainers, MJC Racing Office, Maryland Backstretch Community and Maryland Racing Community. At times, information is shared on multiple platforms.

Laurel Park Trainers is the go-to for information such as daily training hours, track and turf conditions, cancellations, and restrictions on the transport of horses due to disease. MJC Racing Office provides updates on which races are going, which races need more horses, status of the racing surfaces, and information on how to access the post-position draws for each racing program via Zoom. Maryland Backstretch Community lists upcoming events—in the barn area and off site—and when they will be held. Maryland Racing Community provides links to news and events.

To join a WhatsApp group, a user will typically need an invite from a group administrator or another member, or be able to find a group via an invite link, QR code, or in a community. Once the user receives an invite or find sa group, they should tap “join group" or “request to join" to become a member.

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