Cricket Goodall

Maryland was one of the breakout states in the American Horse Council's report on the economic impact of the national horse industry, released on Jan. 31. The total economic impact of the industry grew 38% between 2017 and 2022, from $2.1 billion to $2.9 billion. In addition, the industry's direct contribution to Maryland's GDP grew by 40.5% between 2017 and 2022. The industry is responsible for 28,434 jobs, and horse industry wages total more than $1.24 billion. The survey, conducted in 2023 by the American Horse Council, determined that Maryland...

The 2024 Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program (MTCP) has been scheduled for June 3-7, according to the Maryland Horse Foundation. The online application can be completed by Apr. 19. Interviews will take place in the two weeks after the application deadline and selected participants will be notified in early May. "The Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program offers a great opportunity to see behind the scenes in the various components of the industry from reproduction to racetrack operations," said Cricket Goodall, Executive Director. "We hope to show these young people that love horses...

The Maryland Horse Foundation announced that the 2023 Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program (MTCP) will run from June 5-9, 2023. The online application is now open and must be completed by Apr. 21. Interviews will take place in the two weeks after the application deadline and selected participants will be notified in early May. "The Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program offers a great opportunity to see behind the scenes in the various components of the industry from reproduction to racetrack operations", says Cricket Goodall, executive director. "We hope to show these young...

Located in the heart of historic Reisterstown, Md., just down the road from Sagamore Farm, Hall of Fame steeplechase trainer Jack Fisher's Kingfisher Farm, and GreenMount Farm, the birthplace of 2021 Horse of the Year Knicks Go (Paynter), sits the newly opened Maryland Horse Library and Education Center. The one-of-a-kind facility, honoring the robust history of horses in Maryland and serving as a hub for educating the next generation, is housed in the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA)'s building. The stately brick structure with large, white columns, was originally built...

The Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) has announced the creation of an aftercare account that will direct funds to support Maryland-bred racehorses as they are retired and preparing for their second career. The account, called BackStop, will be funded by extracting a $25 fee from each Maryland-bred registration submitted. BackStop funds will not replace or relieve the responsibility of the owner, breeder or trainer to arrange for aftercare for their retirees. Funds will be disperses on an as-available basis up to $2,000 and are to be used as adjunct support...

Last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner and likely Horse of the Year Knicks Go (Paynter) was named Top Midlantic-Bred of 2021 in the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred/The Racing Biz Top Midlantic-bred Poll. It's the second straight year he's earned Top Midlantic-Bred honors. "To see him win this award not once but twice is incredible," said Sabrina Moore, who along with her mother Angie, bred Knicks Go in Maryland. "It's been an amazing journey, and I'm so grateful for it." "We are so proud that Knicks Go has been recognized for this...

The 37th edition of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day will take place Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at Laurel Park. Jim McKay Maryland Million Day is designed to promote Maryland stallions, whose offspring compete in the races with purses and awards of over $1 million each year. "We as an industry have been through a lot but we also have a lot to look forward to. Maryland has continuously worked to bring a new wave of quality stallions into the state and that effort would not be possible without the breeders...

The Maryland Bred Fund will implement additional incentives that have been approved by the Maryland Racing Commission, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association announced Wednesday. In addition to increasing breeder and stallion bonuses on all stakes races in Maryland, there will be two new plans to incentivize and reward breeders of Maryland-sired horses: Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, an additional 10% Breeder Bonus (for a total of 40%, with the existing 30%), to all Maryland-Sired and Maryland-Bred Maiden winners in Maryland. Beginning with Maryland-bred foals of 2023 (2-Year-Olds of 2025), there will...

The Maryland Horse Foundation has announced the launch of the Maryland Horse Library and Education Center Capital Campaign, which will honor the history of horses in the state and serve as a hub for learning and collaboration. "The way [into the horse industry] is through learning, so that's the most exciting aspect of this project," said Josh Pons, co-chair of the Capital Campaign and president of the Maryland Horse Foundation. "There's someone out there who has a passion for the game but just doesn't know how to get started, and...

Eclipse champions Heavenly Cause and What a Summer have been inducted into the Maryland-bred Thoroughbred Hall of Fame. The selections were made by a committee of Maryland racing industry members coordinated by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and Maryland Racing Media Association. "These two great mares deserve their place of honor among our Hall of Fame horses. They were the product of dedicated Maryland breeders who were rewarded with great champions," said Cricket Goodall, executive director of Maryland Horse Breeders Association. What a Summer, a two-time GII Fall Highweight H....