Belinda Stronach

The following op-ed appeared in Friday's print editions of newspapers owned by the Southern California News Group, which includes the Orange County Register, the Pasadena Star-News, and others. Let horse races resume in L.A. without an audience By Belinda Stronach On March 12, a full week before any stay-at-home orders were issued, Santa Anita Park voluntarily closed to the public for the protection of the people and horses who call it home. Since then, we have demonstrated our capacity to operate as a safe, self-contained, lockeddown community working under stringent...

The Racing and Community Development Act of 2020, which authorizes $375 million to pay for the rebuilding of Pimlico and the refurbishing of Laurel, was passed Wednesday by the Maryland General Assembly, reports the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. The bill will now go to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who is expected to sign it. If signed by Hogan, the Act will go into effect June 1. It has sailed through both Maryland houses. The House passed the conference committee version of the bill by a vote of 113-14 a short...

Tim Ritvo, who has served The Stronach Group in a variety of executive capacities since 2011, is leaving his role as chief operating officer of the company effective immediately, according to a release issued Monday afternoon. The company has no immediate plans to fill his position, the release said. "I am honored to have been part of The Stronach Group and am proud of the accomplishments that we have made for the industry across our racing and training programs," Ritvo said. "As a former jockey, passionate fan and life-long horseman,...

Hallandale Beach, FL - The activity at Gulfstream Park continued to amplify as the post positions were drawn for this weekend's $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. Presented by Runhappy and the $1-million GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational S. at Frankey's Sports Bar in The Village at Gulfstream Park. Headlining Saturday's main track event, Fox Hill Farm's Omaha Beach (War Front) drew post five in the field of 12, much to the satisfaction of Richard Mandella. He was installed the 7-5 favorite for the nine-furlong race. "Couldn't ask...