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Framework in Place to Enable MTROA to Rebuild Pimlico, Conduct Maryland Racing

Edited Press Release

The Stronach Group, the Maryland Jockey Club, and the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (“MTROA”) today announced they have reached the framework of an agreement in principle to preserve and enhance the Thoroughbred racing industry in Maryland.

The understanding, subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements, legislative authorization, and all required governmental approvals, will enable the MTROA to design and build an iconic racing venue at Pimlico and take over day-to-day racing and training in Maryland.

“The Authority's report represents an important next step for the industry, and I look forward to working with the General Assembly and the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority to finalize an agreement that ensures this important industry continues to create jobs and drive economic growth for years to come,” said Governor Wes Moore, whose office issued the release.

The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club, as the owners of the real property assets located at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course and the intellectual property assets comprising the GI Preakness S., the GII Black-Eyed Susan S. and related festivals, will be working with the MTROA to implement terms for the use of these assets in the short and long term.

“The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club remain deeply committed to reinvigorating Thoroughbred racing in Maryland, and this framework agreement represents an important first step in that process,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairwoman, Chief Executive Officer and President, The Stronach Group.

The agreement will allow a fluid transition from The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club as operators to the MTROA in 2025, as well as allow the time needed to develop a new training facility and modernize Pimlico Race Course. The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club will retain ownership of the intellectual property associated with the Preakness S. under a license to MTROA.

“On behalf of the MTROA, I'm delighted that we were able to chart a course forward for Maryland racing that will ensure the industry continues to thrive for decades to come,” said Greg Cross, Chairman of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.

Click here to access the MTROA report.

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Maryland’s Thoroughbred Horsemen and Breeders Announce One-Year Extension with 1/ST Racing

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen Association, Maryland Horse Breeders Association, and 1/ST RACING have announced a one-year deal to continue live horse racing in Maryland until December 31, 2024. The deal ensures that the GI Preakness S. will be run at Pimlico in May and provides for ongoing racing operations throughout 2024.

“We are pleased to come to terms on a one-year extension to the 2012 agreement with The Stronach Group, 1/ST RACING and Maryland Jockey Club and appreciate the work by all that went into finalizing this deal,” said David Richardson, Executive Director of MTHA. “This agreement provides our horsemen, the state's breeders, and backstretch workers stability while the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority continues their important work on a long-term plan for our industry. We look forward to the final Authority report and a bright and sustainable future for thoroughbred horse racing in Maryland.”

During the 2023 legislative session, Governor Wes Moore, Senate President Bill Ferguson, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, and members of the Maryland General Assembly created the Maryland Thoroughbred Racing Operating Authority by law to outline a plan for the future of Maryland racing. Over the past decade, Maryland leaders have dedicated funding to stabilize this historic industry but needed more legal authority to implement a plan.

“The Stronach Group, 1/ST RACING and the Maryland Jockey Club are committed to a successful 2024 racing season as we work in good faith with other stakeholders to develop a long-term, sustainable racing model for Maryland,” said Craig Fravel, Executive Vice Chairman, 1/ST RACING. “We are pleased to have worked constructively with Maryland stakeholders on this agreement and look forward to continuing to work with the Maryland Racetrack Operating Authority in the best interests of racing in Maryland.”

The Maryland racing industry, one of the oldest in the United States, has an economic impact of more than $2 billion in addition to preserving thousands of acres of open space statewide.

The Authority, chaired by veteran attorney at Venable LLP Gregory A. Cross, is expected to issue its interim recommendations next month.

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Canter for a Cause Returning to Pimlico Oct. 29

Canter for a Cause, back for the third straight year after the 2020 cancellation, will return to Pimlico Race Course Sunday, Oct. 29. Sponsored by the Maryland Jockey Club, the organization allows the public the chance to walk, trot, canter or gallop their favorite horse or pony over the same oval which has hosted esteemed runners like Seabiscuit, Secretariat, War Admiral and recent Triple Crown champions American Pharoah and Justify. More than 270 riders participated last fall, one of the most successful events.

Registration is $65 per trip, with proceeds going to benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and will go as scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. All horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test within 12 months. All riders must sign a waiver and wear approved helmets while riders under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. No colts, stallions or ridglings are allowed.

“Canter for a Cause is a great opportunity for riders to experience riding over one of the most historic racetracks in the country, while helping raise money for a great cause,” said MJC vice president of racing development Georganne Hale. “It's fun for the whole family.”

Registration closes Monday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m or whenever 300 entries are taken. Please visit the Pimlico webpage to register and pay.

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Ness, Rodriguez Top Laurel Summer Meet Standings

Jamie Ness was the leading trainer and Jaime Rodriguez was the top jockey at the Laurel Park summer meet which concluded Sunday. Ness saddled 27 winners at the 33-day stand, while Brittany Russell was second in the standings with 22 wins. Rodriguez outdistanced five-pound apprentice Axel Concepcion, 39-29, to finish as leading rider.

Ness and Rodriguez put an exclamation point on their meet with a Sunday hat trick–Madison Avenue Racing Stable, Inc. and Jagger Inc.'s Liberty Star in Race 5, Double B Racing Stables' My Boy Colton in Race 6 and Morris Kernan Jr. and Jagger Inc.'s Borracho in Race 8.

“We've been on a pretty good roll this summer,” said Ness, who also tops the trainer standings in wins at both Delaware Park and Parx. “It's hard to win on one front, but to win on three is really hard. We spread it out pretty equally. We've got good horses and we've got a good operation here in the Mid-Atlantic. We've got horses at all three tracks, and we've got Fair Hill and I've got my farm. We fine-tuned the infrastructure to the Mid-Atlantic region, and it seems to be getting a little bit better every year.”

Ness' Jagger Inc.–named for his late dog–and Kernan finished as the meet's leading owners with 10 wins. Jagger also won five races with Madison Avenue Racing and another four as sole owner.

“That's another part of my business. I own a percentage of most of my horses. I like that and my owners like that, and it works well for us,” Ness said. “If I'm vested in the horse, then they feel more comfortable being vested in the horse. I've got some really good partners and they're really good people and it's been working out for us.”

The summer title is the second Maryland meet title for Rodriguez following Laurel's winter stand. Represented by agent John Weilbacher, he is also the two-time defending champion at Delaware where he currently has a two-win edge over Daniel Centeno.

“It's been awesome, amazing. We're having a great year,” Rodriguez said. “Thank God, he keeps me healthy, and my agent and everybody for giving me a chance, Ness and all the trainers and owners. To be the leading rider at two tracks, that's impressive.”

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