Features

Still one in a Million: Maryland’s day at the races continues in spite of Covid

Details: Published: October 2020; Written by Joe Clancy

The Preakness will forever be the most famous Thoroughbred race in Maryland, but if you’re looking to find Maryland’s Day at the Races you’d be wise to wait until autumn. The Maryland Million – with its crowded outdoor spaces, crisp air, free hats, overflowing hospitality tents and competitive (if humbler) horses – stands up as the signature day for an industry that dates to the state’s earliest days.

The Ultimate Comeback: Thanks to team, Wet Your Whistle overcomes plenty to win stakes at Presque Isle

Details: Published: October 2020; Written by Sara Gordon

From an outside perspective, Wet Your Whistle’s victory in the Karl Boyes Stakes at Presque Isle Downs Aug. 17 was just another triumph. Another stakes win, another $45,000 added to his earnings and another return to the winner’s circle for owner David Palmer and trainer Mike Trombetta. If anyone noticed the nearly 11-month gap between his final start last season and his return as a 5-year-old, they probably shrugged it off as another effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

Classic Family Tree: Tiz the Law's pedigree evolved through Maryland's Woodlawn Farm

Details: Published: September 2020; Written by Cindy Deubler

Columbia, Md., a planned community conceived, designed and developed by James W. Rouse in the 1960s, occupies land that belonged to another man with a dream.

Walter Edgar’s passion, equally shared by his wife Margaret, was to build a Thoroughbred breeding operation with an emphasis on quality.

Logging In: Sales companies respond to, capitalize on internet market

Details: Published: September 2020; Written by Joe Clancy

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, with people staying home, not taking business trips and otherwise changing the way they work, Max Hodge would get questions from friends.

“Hey, what are you doing for Covid? Not much going on?”

“Actually, I’m probably working 10 times harder than I normally would.”

Tagg Time: Longtime Mid-Atlantic trainer completes his Triple Crown

Details: Published: August 2020; Written by Sean Clancy

“I’ve known him my whole life.”

Words used when asked about a friend, a comrade, a peer, a brother in arms, a member of the band. You know a person who has been in your circle so long, it feels like they helped you draw the circle.

Old jump riders, they’re in your circle.

When Barclay Tagg won the Belmont Stakes with Tiz the Law June 20, the question was asked and answered.

“I’ve known him my whole life.”

And in a way, I guess I have.

May Days: Preakness people deal with 2020 change

Details: Published: July 2020; Written by Joe Clancy

In spring 1893, Geneva College defeated New Brighton YMCA 3-0 in the nation’s first college basketball game, the World’s Fair opened in Chicago, Thomas Edison unveiled the kinetoscope, an early motion-picture device, and Baltimore endured life without a Preakness. All these years later, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, economic devastation and (as of late May and early June) civil unrest, history repeated itself. Spring came and went in Baltimore without a Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. And life went on, more or less.

Extinguishing Fear: How to prepare for, prevent a barn fire

Details: Published: July 2020; Written by Sara Gordon

Silence erupts across the farm. The afternoon breeze falters, the sparrows go quiet and the typical hum of activity ceases. The air holds a feeling of distress, as if a storm is bound to make a thunderous appearance. But this storm holds no soothing rain. Within the barn walls, crimson flames begin to eat away at the timber frame. Smoke snakes through every crevice, pours along the aisles and through the stall windows. Shavings and bits of hay ignite, leaving ash and floating ember. Frightened horses snort, paw, pace. Flared nostrils find temporary solace in the clean air coming through small windows to the outside of the barn. As sirens scream in the distance, the chorus of distressed neighs echoes with urgency. . .

Price Points: Sales bargains come through for loyal buyers

Details: Published: June 2020; Written by Cindy Deubler

Disregarded. Sold for $3,000. A Grade 1 winner of $1,136,235. Ignored. Sold for $1,000. Earned $214,525 in less than a year. Overlooked. Sold for $2,500. Has raced through age 12 while earning $536,193.