A regional assessment of Standardbred racing rules and regulations in three Mid-Atlantic states has continued into 2026 with a goal of completion in the summer months.
At the Maryland Racing Commission meeting held Jan. 14, executive director Chris Merz said there will be another meeting in January for representatives from Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. The group is evaluating feedback and then will develop unified “regulatory language that all (three) states can use.”
Separately, the MRC is conducting an in-state review of rules and regulations for Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing in order to identify those that need to be updated.
The 2026 harness racing season in Maryland begins Monday, Jan. 19, at Rosecroft Raceway with a 13-race program that includes the $12,000 open pace. Rosecroft for the most part will race Mondays and Thursdays with first post set for 7:15 p.m. (ET).