Maryland horsemen have emerged as meaningful beneficiaries of the collaborative dual-state stakes schedule and new bonus incentives, according to statistics covering the period from June 21 through August 23 of this year.
Regional Cooperation Brings Expanded Opportunities
The joint Maryland-Virginia stakes program was born out of discussions on regional cooperation to maximize racing opportunities. With the Maryland Jockey Club deciding to go dark during much of the Colonial Downs meet, the arrangement allowed stakes typically run at Laurel Park to be hosted in Virginia. The spirit of partnership ensured continuity for horsemen, trainers, and breeders across both states.
Despite six of the first eight combined stakes being contested at Colonial Downs, Maryland-bred or -sired horses dominated. There were 41 Maryland starters compared with 10 from Virginia, and Maryland horses collected $692,250--an impressive 72.4%--of the $956,000 available in total purse money.
Stakes Program Expansion
The partnership effectively expanded the Maryland-bred stakes program. Traditionally valued at $1.05 million, it grew to a whopping $1.8 million with the addition of $750,000 in purse money from Colonial Downs. Importantly, four of the Virginia-hosted stakes in July and August were races typically run at Laurel Park--events that likely would not have been held at all this year given Maryland's packed fall stakes calendar.
The program continues later this year, when Virginia-bred 2-year-olds will be eligible to compete alongside Maryland-breds in the Maryland Juvenile and Maryland Juvenile Fillies at Laurel Park. Both races received purse increases from $100,000 to $125,000. In addition, eight Maryland-restricted stakes have been boosted from $75,000 to $100,000 each.
The four remaining combined-state races--the Jennings, Geisha, Conniver, and Not For Love--are scheduled for January and March.
Maryland's Stronger Foal Crop Provides an Edge
Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association President Katharine Voss noted that Maryland breeders produce significantly more foals than Virginia, with about four times as many two and three-year-olds in training.
"This program came out of the initial discussions to work on coordination of schedules in the region," Voss said. "With Laurel Park being dark in July and August, we had some stakes but no place to squeeze them in. Colonial Downs was thrilled with the merging of Virginia-bred races with our Maryland-bred races."
Bonus Program Strengthens Summer Racing Gap
The revised stakes calendar aligned perfectly with the new $600,000 Maryland-Bred Owner & Developer Bonus Program, designed to support local horses racing at Colonial Downs and Delaware Park during Maryland's summer racing hiatus. From July 4 through Aug. 17, 2025, bonuses were distributed based on a points system tied to race conditions.
A total of 198 Maryland-bred horses earned bonuses--132 at Delaware Park and 66 at Colonial Downs. By category, starters were spread as follows:
• No price or claiming $5K+ -- 48 horses
• Claiming $45K-$30K -- 29 horses
• Claiming $25K-$16K -- 60 horses
• Claiming $12.5K-$5K -- 61 horses
Starter races received points equivalent to two claiming levels higher. Stakes, certified, and state-bred races were not eligible for bonuses.
The pool was divided according to total points earned across all eligible races, with bonuses split equally between owners and developers. This structure evolved from the earlier Owner Bonus Program (which paid 30% of purse earnings) and builds on the Developer Bonus Program launched in 2020.
A Win for Maryland Horsemen
With expanded stakes purses, increased restricted race values, and the addition of a lucrative bonus program, Maryland horsemen have realized substantial benefits from the cooperative approach with Virginia. The results from just the first half of the dual-state schedule underscore Maryland's strength and highlight the importance of continued regional collaboration.
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