tory Maryland Equine History: Galloping Through Maryland’s Rich Thoroughbred History However, racing’s allure seemed to have lost
its spark as handles and attendance declined. Washington, D.C., lawyer Frank deFrancis and his partners Bob Manfuso and Tom Manfuso bought both Pimlico and Laurel and injected some much needed cash into the operations. DeFrancis died suddenly of a heart attack in 1989. Te De Francis Memorial Dash is run in his honor and is the final race in this year’s Mid Atlantic Toroughbred Championships (MATCH Series). Frank deFrancis’ son Joe deFrancis took over his stake in the tracks and continued operat- ing Pimlico and Laurel Park with the Man- fusos until he bought them out in 1993. Bob Manfuso, who continued breeding and training race horses out of Chanceland Farm in West Friendship, died in 2020 at the age of 82. Te late 20th century brought reversals to
Maryland racing, driven in part by policy deci- sions at the state level. Unlike Maryland, nearby states approved slots at racetracks and handles declined in Maryland as bettors went elsewhere. Purses in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylva- nia dwarfed those available in Maryland. It was not until 2008 that Maryland voters
approved a state constitutional amendment permitting slot machines and allowing a por- tion of the slots revenue to be used for reviv- ing the horse racing industry. Tis amendment
aided the struggling Maryland Toroughbred industry significantly, and breeders began com- ing back to Maryland to continue Maryland’s long and impressive history of Toroughbred breeding and racing.
Thoroughbred Racing Today Te economics of Toroughbred racing in
Maryland today have improved somewhat since the late 20th century. Te Stronach Group, now called 1/ST Racing, purchased Laurel Park and Pimlico in 2002. Te company has made capital investments in the barns and clubhouse at Laurel Park, and is working with state and local authorities to make significant capital investments in Pimlico. In addition, Maryland now permits slots at
racetracks, and in April of this year, the General Assembly expanded wagering on horse racing to permit betting at all six casinos in the state, as well as at M&T Stadium and Oriole Park. Maryland Toroughbred racing has also risen
above the COVID-19 pandemic and was able to hold 140 racing days with limited spectators in 2020. Te typical racing calendar was a bit jumbled with the summer meet at Timonium being canceled and the Preakness Stakes being pushed to October as the final race in the 2020 Triple Crown. Te Preakness returns to May this year, and to
its traditional spot as the middle Triple Crown race, as the crown jewel of Maryland’s 2021 racing calendar featuring 170 racing days, in- cluding seven days of live racing at Timonium.
The first Maryland Million Day was held on October 18, 1986 as a day to celebrate and promote Maryland-bred horses. Founded by Jim McKay, the day of racing contin- ues today under the new name Jim McKay Maryland Million Day with Monday Morn- ing Qb being the most recent Maryland Mil- lion Classic winner (2020).
Share your favorite Maryland Thoroughbred racing stories by emailing
editor@equiery.com!
5641 Ridge Road Mt. Airy, MD 240-440-9627
info@coexiststables.com
coexiststables.com
A USPC Riding Club Center & Maryland Horse Discovery Center
Connecting and growing the local Eventing community Maryland Combined Training Association
Ride at Shawan Downs
May 22-23: A new date should make for drier riding conditions at our Recognized HT (BN-I) May 25-27: Cross Country schooling is available for those who want to brush up or simply enjoy riding at Shawan Downs without the pressure of competing May 29: We’re hosting a brand new unrecognized HT (Elem.-T, courses appropriately modified from the Recognized HT)
COLONIAL CLASSIC QUALIFYING SERIES AT COEXIST STABLES
2021 SCHEDULE
MAY 23 JUNE 20 JULY 25
Boarding • Training Lessons - All Levels In House Schooing Shows Regular Clinics
Summer Camps • Trailering Regular Teen and Adult Nights (Open to non-boarders and students)
Facilities:
Large Heated Indoor with Observation Area
Outdoor Arena • Wash Stalls Cross Country Course • Trails Multiple Pastures and Paddocks with Safe Fencing
Boarders’ Lounge Area Sponsored by Bowman’s Feed & Pet & Purina
Dubbed the “Thank You Event”, it’s our hope that the amazing volunteers from the Recognized HT will use their MCTA Bucks to compete (and/or school) at Shawan Downs themselves.
Volunteer, then ride!
In addition to volunteering on show days, there are other opportunities as well! Visit
eventingvolunteers.com
May 17-21: Prep grounds for the Recognized HT May 24: Time to clean up & transition for xc schooling May 28: Prep grounds for “Thank You Event” May 30: Final clean up and put away
Hunting Ridge Farm 20 | MAY 2021 | THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! •
Veterinary Services
Another Round Farm Weber’s Tack Trunk
Home of Sabrina Morris Massage LLC RPM Services
Hess Equine • Bob Davidson • Olney Full Moon Farm
Ford Farm AOPF Stables Equine Sports Medicine of Maryland 800-244-9580 |
www.equiery.com
0521
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Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club
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