1/ST Racing

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced that the state of Maryland has matched the $85-million bid from Churchill Downs for the intellectual property and branding rights to the Preakness, which will now be held by the state. The story was first reported by the Baltimore Banner. Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement provided to the Banner that his administration has made "historic investments" to ensure the future of Maryland's racing industry, and that the $85-million decision will secure a "vital asset for our state." It will "preserve Maryland's position...

Billionaire attorney John Morgan met with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) leadership at their headquarters in Ocala on Thursday to outline his vision for the sustainable future of Florida Thoroughbred racing and breeding, the organization said in a Friday press release. Morgan has formed a Delaware corporation to advance the state's last remaining permit owned by Ocala Thoroughbred Racing, a wholly owned subsidiary of the FTBOA. The entity is working with third parties to identify business models that will anchor robust purses and awards in Marion County...

Dr. Dionne Benson and Cricket Goodall will each be honored with the Special Award of Merit on Thursday, May 14 at the Alibi Breakfast at Laurel Park. The Special Award of Merit is given to those who have made a positive impact on the racing industry. Previous recipients have included Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Jim McKay, Ellen Charles, Beyond the Wire, D. Wayne Lukas and Jerry Bailey. The Alibi Breakfast, which began in the 1930s on the porch of the historic Pimlico Race Course, features a gathering of owners, trainers, jockeys,...

In a statement posted Tuesday afternoon on X, trainer Cherie DeVaux announced that the GI Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (Curlin) will not be running in the GI Preakness Stakes. It's another blow to the race that has clearly become the weak link in the Triple Crown. The only horse who ran in the Kentucky Derby to commit to the Preakness at this point is the maiden, Ocelli (Connect), who was a surprising third. "After much thoughtful discussion as a team, we have decided that Golden Tempo will bypass the...

The Maryland Jockey Club, in conjunction with 1/ST Racing, has posted the morning-line odds for the Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager and GI Arkansas Derby winner Renegade (Into Mischief) was made the 10-1 favorite, the club said in a press release on Wednesday. With lines courtesy of Horse Racing Nation, the separate wagering pool offers "WIN" wagers on the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park May 16. There are 40 betting interests in the Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager, with the 40th being the pari-mutuel field, or "all other 3-year-olds." The...

Churchill Downs Incorporated has entered into an agreement to acquire the intellectual property, including all trademarks and associated rights, of the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan from 1/ST Maryland LLC, the company announced Tuesday morning. The purchase price was $85 million and the deal is subject to customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the deal, CDI will license to the state of Maryland the intellectual property rights necessary to conduct the running of the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes in exchange for an annual fee. "This acquisition adds...

In an article posted last week in Sports Business Journal, it was reported that the GI Preakness Stakes would be pushed back a week next year to be run three weeks after the GI Kentucky Derby and that the GI Belmont Stakes would also be pushed back by a week. The stir the article caused quickly died down when Maryland Jockey Club President and General Manager Bill Knauf denied that any decisions had been made regarding the date of next year's Preakness. But the story did get some important things...

After open letters to the industry Thursday from 1/ST President Aidan Butler and The Jockey Club backed the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, Breeders' Cup Limited also voiced support. Breeders' Cup Limited supports the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that would permanently prohibit the slaughter of American horses for human consumption and end their export for that purpose abroad. This measure represents a critical step toward ensuring all horses, regardless of their stage of life, are treated with decency and care. Breeders' Cup...

Following 1/ST President Aidan Butler's open letter to the industry Thursday outlining 1/ST's support for the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, The Jockey Club expressed additional support of the SAFE Act and the future of horse racing, pledging to advance landmark legislation and see it become law.  The Jockey Club stands with 1/ST President Aidan Butler and his colleagues at 1/ST for their support of the SAFE Act and their recent, highly effective work to gain attention for this critical issue for the future of horse racing. We pledge...

In an industry that does not always speak with one voice, there should be one clear point of agreement: we are judged by how we care for our horses. Without a firm commitment to equine welfare, our sport cannot sustain its future. We owe them safety, dignity, and lifelong care. Everyone involved in racing shares responsibility for these horses, not only during their careers, but long after. The era of "business as usual" is over. This is a business, but it is also a responsibility that requires integrity and a...

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site at Gulfstream Park for the GI Curlin Florida Derby on Saturday, Mar. 28. As part of Florida Derby Day, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with a named race on the undercard. After the race, the winning connections will be presented with a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded blanket and commemorative gift bag. A Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance representative will be on-site to host the winners of the "Off to the Races" VIP Experience online benefit auction. Donated by 1/ST RACING, the Florida Derby Day VIP...

The Florida Legislature's 2026 regular session concluded with decoupling legislation again failing to reach Governor Ron DeSantis's desk, according to a press release from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association on Friday. HB881 passed the House but companion bill SB1564 never received a hearing in the Senate. A special session is expected to finalize the state budget. Lonny Powell, the FTBOA's CEO, said in a statement that, "Decoupling has stalled again. Once more, the FTBOA and our industry partners defended Florida's Thoroughbred industry. We thank the industry partners who...