HISA Leadership Heads to Laurel Park for Open Q&A with Maryland Horsemen

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is bringing its national listening tour to Laurel Park on Wednesday, April 22, where HISA's leadership team will sit down with Maryland trainers, owners, and industry participants for a two-hour open Q&A beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the track's Sports Book.

The session is part of HISA's ongoing effort to engage directly with horsemen across the country, and the Maryland stop arrives at a particularly charged moment for Laurel Park. The Maryland Stadium Authority announced on January 12 that it reached a tentative agreement with 1/ST Racing (The Stronach Group) to acquire the facility for redevelopment as a premier hub for Thoroughbred training in the state. That backdrop gives horsemen plenty of ground to cover beyond routine regulatory questions.

Organizers framed the purpose plainly. "This session is designed to provide horsemen with a meaningful opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and participate in an open and productive dialogue about HISA's rules, programs, and their day-to-day impact on the industry," according to the announcement. "The goal is straightforward: to foster direct communication. HISA leadership will be available to listen, offer clarity, and engage in a constructive conversation about what is working, what challenges remain, and where improvements can be made."

Lunch will be provided at no cost to all attending horsemen.

The visit comes during an active stretch for Maryland racing. Laurel Park entered 2026 with a winter-spring stakes schedule featuring 25 races worth a combined $2.8 million through April, anchored by a pair of $200,000 sprint fixtures and two $150,000 events for 3-year-olds that carry guaranteed spots in the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.

No specific HISA leadership names have been attached to the April 22 appearance, and no RSVP mechanism has been publicly announced. Horsemen planning to attend should monitor communications from the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association for updated details as the date approaches.