Jim McKay

When the Maryland Million program, the brainchild of famed sportscaster Jim McKay, was launched in 1986, it was hailed as one of the most innovative and successful programs of its kind. It has been something that has been copied in racing states across the country. But when TK Kuegler took over as the president of the Maryland Million, he decided it was time to move the event forward, and make it bigger, better, and more lucrative. "It's been kind of sleepy for 40 years," Kuegler said. "Jim McKay launched it...

Dave Rodman, announcer at Maryland's racetracks since 1991, has been named recipient of a Special Award of Merit for his contributions and positive impact on the racing industry. Rodman will be presented with the award at the May 15 Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico Race Course. A native of New Orleans, Rodman worked as a deejay at various radio stations before calling his first race at Jefferson Downs in 1981. He moved to Louisiana Downs in 1985 before becoming the track announcer for the Maryland Jockey Club, calling races at Pimlico,...

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on site at Laurel Park for the Jim McKay Maryland Million Day card Saturday. The organization will have a race on the card named in its honor and will host the winners of the 2024 VIP Maryland Million experience from the "Off to the Races" online benefit auction. Generously donated by 1/ST RACING and the Hotel at Arundel Preserve, the experience will include a clubhouse table for four at the track and a two-night stay at the Hotel at Arundel Preserve. "The Maryland Jockey Club...

The 38th edition of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day will take place Saturday, Oct. 12 at Laurel Park, the organization that puts on the event said in Friday release. Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, Maryland's Day at the Races, is designed to promote Maryland stallions, whose offspring compete in the races with purses and awards of over $1 million each year. "Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, now known as Maryland's Day at the Races, celebrates Maryland's horse industry," said Maryland Million executive director Cricket Goodall. We have a an exciting...

Pioneering horse racing television commentator Charlsie Cantey will be honored with the Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award at the second annual Horse Racing Women's Summit, Sept. 27-29, at Santa Anita Park. A native of North Carolina, Cantey started her career with race horses in New York after graduating from George Washington University in 1968. She worked with trainers Elliot Burch, Frank Whiteley, Jr., David Whiteley, and Sidney Watters, as well as Joe Cantey after their 1969 marriage. She was persuaded by Frank Wright and Dave Johnson, co-hosts of the WOR-TV...

Given by the Maryland Million Ltd. Board of Directors, nominations for the 2023 Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award are due by Oct. 1, the organization said in a release Thursday. This year's recipient will receive a $1,000 honorarium and be recognized at the Sip & Win event and during Jim McKay Maryland Million Day at Laurel Park on Saturday, Oct. 14. Potential nominees should embody characteristics that are valuable, but often go unrewarded. They should be honest, hardworking, humble and should set a good example through their principles and actions....