Laurel Park

The popular Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championships Series (MATCH) has been renewed for 2020, with an expanded schedule and an increase in owner, trainer and breeder bonus money thanks to new partner racetracks, horsemen's groups and breeder associations, the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association announced Tuesday. The Series, which returned in 2018 after a 16-year hiatus and works toward the larger goal of coordination in a region with the largest concentration of daily racing in the United States, has grown to 35 stakes at eight tracks with a combined $3.75 million in purses for...

Charlie Marquez rode the first winner of his career with Sierra Leona (Point Given)'s 3/4-length victory at Laurel Park Thursday. It was the eighth career mount for the 16-year-old, who rode his first race Jan. 1 at Laurel. "It feels amazing. I'm only 16; it's a lot to digest," Marquez said. "But I'm glad I'm here and I'm thankful for all the opportunities been given to me. This means so much to me." From Columbia, Maryland, Marquez is the son of 52-year-old Carlos Marquez, Jr., a multiple graded-stakes winner of...