Hundreds Attend Town Hall Meeting At Laurel; Vision of Maryland Racing Discussed
Hundreds Attend Town Hall Meeting At Laurel; Vision of Maryland Racing Discussed
Vision of Maryland Racing Discussed
LAUREL, MD - Nearly 400 industry leaders, horsemen, government officials and fans attended a Town Hall meeting Friday evening at Laurel Park to discuss the future of Maryland racing and the vision of The Stronach Group, owners of the Maryland Jockey Club.
Speakers included Tim Ritvo, COO of The Stronach Group, Maryland Racing commissioner Bruce Quade, Tim Keefe, president of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Cricket Goodall, executive director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, and breeder Josh Pons.
Ritvo reiterated The Stronach Group’s commitment to Maryland racing and its continuing efforts to grow the sport throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
“Over the past 10 months we’ve invested nearly $20 million into our facilities on the front and back sides,” Ritvo said. “Handle is up nearly $60 million this year, the OTB at the Horseshoe Casino has been a tremendous success, and the support from horsemen has been wonderful. Mr. Stronach believes there is great potential in Maryland racing, but we must continue to improve our business. We must have a high level of integrity, have a safe environment for our customers, take care of our retired horses, widen our network of fans, and continue to grow the business.”
Ritvo said he looked forward to running the Preakness at Pimlico in 2016 and will put all resources toward another record-breaking day. He also added he hopes to bring the Breeders’ Cup to Maryland in the future.
Quade applauded The Stronach Group’s commitment to racing and added: “This place is going to be world class. Believe me, The Stronach Group is walking the walk. Maryland racing’s best days are yet to come.” See the video here.
