Frank Vespe

Three horses, all Grade I winners, have been selected for induction into the Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame in 2024: Alma North, Richard's Kid, and Shine Again. A committee of Maryland racing industry members coordinated by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and Maryland Racing Media Association were responsible for the vote. The newest inductees will be celebrated during a ceremony after the fourth race on opening day of the Timonium race meet on Friday, Aug. 23. "This year's inductees are indicative of the reach of our great Maryland-bred horses and...

Michael Algeo, who has served on the Maryland Racing Commission (MRC) since 2016 and was chairing that board, resigned from both positions, effective immediately, June 14. Frank Vespe of Maryland's "Off to the Races Radio" was first to report the scoop on his show's June 17 broadcast. Algeo's departure accentuates a time of regulatory upheaval within Maryland racing that in recent months has been marked by three other long-serving commissioners (David Hayden, Tom Bowman, Tom Winebrener) also either resigning from the MRC or not having their terms renewed by the...

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....