Given growth in the breeding program in recent years, the Maryland Racing Commission at its April 8 meeting approved a recommendation by the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee to increase the purses for the Maryland Sire Stakes finals.
Author: by Tom LaMarra, USTA web correspondent
Oak Grove handle gains continue through three weeks
In just the third week of the 2026 harness racing meet at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, a typical 12-race card of overnight races for the southern Kentucky oval generated the third highest betting handle in the track’s six-year history.
Shaun Christopher Callahan, 44, dies
Shaun Christopher Callahan of Cordova, MD passed away suddenly at his home on April 6, 2026. He was 44 years old.
Antognoni S looking to ‘Cruze’ in Big M series
The Ron Burke-trained Antognoni S had a fabulous 2025, yet, he didn’t make headlines like his stablemate Lexus Kody, who ended the season as the Dan Patch Trotter of the Year after earning an industry-best $1.3 million.
Meadows is first to offer live video of draw
Hollywood Casino at The Meadows will become the first harness track in North America to offer live video of the post position draw for each race card with a dedicated YouTube channel.
Mohawk moves Friday qualifiers to Saturday
Woodbine Mohawk Park would like to inform trainers that qualifiers originally scheduled for Friday (April 10) have been moved to Saturday morning (April 11) due to inclement weather in the forecast.
Vernon begins live racing on April 18
Vernon Downs is set to begin its 73rd anniversary of racing on Saturday, April 18. Post time for Opening Night is 5:05 p.m. and features a t-shirt giveaway after the third race.
Ma Isabelle & Kazio DK win in John Brennan Trotting Series
The second round of the John Brennan Trotting Series was featured on Wednesday (April 8) at MGM Yonkers Raceway, and the winners of the two $30,000 divisions were Ma Isabelle and Kazio DK.
Abbey D wins 3rd straight at Miami Valley
Abbey D made it three in a row on Wednesday night (April 8) at Miami Valley by taking the featured $32,000 Open II.
Face The Shadows leaves little doubt at Buffalo
Face The Shadows ($3.72) didn’t leave a shadow of a doubt in the $15,500 Open Pace for the fillies and mares at Buffalo Raceway as she took early command and never looked back in registering a 2-1/4 length victory over Elegant Woman A in a seasonal best of 1:56.1 over the fast track.