Maryland Horse Racing in a Crisis!

West Virginia and Delaware are set to take away much of the sport betting business of neighboring Maryland. Charles Town in West Virginia is a typical example, lengthening its horse racing season and putting in new slot machines at race courses. Punters and people who enjoy quality recreation are moving their business from Maryland to places such as Charles Town.

Want to Race?

Magna Entertainment Corporation in Toronto needs a new honcho to run its horse racing business. The old CEO has handed in his papers. Tom Hodgson, who used to work for a company dealing with auto papers, took a year at Magna before he discovered that he did not understand horse racing!

Three in a Row

A festival is on at the famous Cheltenham race track in the UK until this Friday March 17. The first two days have been difficult for wagers, with intense competition for places and wins. Thursday March 16 is no different, with Golden Cross and Derby winning rider Johnny Murtagh astride Golden Cross. Mighty Man and Ambobo are other challengers for the legendary 11-year old Francois Doumen trained Baracouda. This magnificent race horse has always had a place in the World Hurdle, but the fact that it has not raced for a year now could go against its chances of making a hat-trick of wins and places in this great event.

A Filly to Watch

Sunday, March 12 2006 will be more memorable than most days for top trainer David Hofmans and for owners John and Jerry Amerman as well. The beautiful and spirited Balance, daughter of Thunder Gulch, made a distinctive statement on this day at the Santa Anita Oaks, with a great win over 8 eminent rivals including top contender Wild Fit: kudos to Victor Espinoza for superb judgment and handling, especially on the far turn. The 2 and a 1/2 length victory margin could have been even bigger had Espinoza and Balance not been forced 4 lanes wide throughout the race. Balance was through the fast main track in an impressive 1:42:99.

Please send your prayers and good wishes

Todd Cummings and Ralph Leogrande lie in a Pittsburgh hospital with broken ribs, collar and shoulder bones, and a collapsed lung between them as well. Cummings is from Buffalo, NY, and has moved to Pennsylvania of late out of a passion for harness racing. Ralph Leogrande participates in many events at the Meadows.

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