Category: Sports

On July 9, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association announced the election of three new members of the board of directors. Michael J. Harrison, DVM, was elected president; David H. Wade was elected vice president; and Kent Allen Murray was elected secretary and treasurer. Dr. Harrison owns Willowdale Farm in Butler and has been a practicing veterinarian for more than 35 years. Harrison earned a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree from Washington College. He breeds, races and owns Thoroughbreds and served on the MHBA board from 2009-2016. He has also served as chairman of MHBA’s Legislative Committee. Harrison is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Society for Theriogenology, Maryland Agricultural Resource Council and Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. He is also a supporter of the Water Hay Oats Alliance. Wade is the general manager of Northview Stallion Station in Chesapeake City, as well as Northview PA in Peach Bottom, PA. In addition, he is the manager of Sycamore Hall Farm and is a Thoroughbred sales agent. Wade was the former yearling manager at Ryehill Farm and was an adjunct faculty member at Cecil College. He has served on the MHBA board since 2016 and is a member of the association’s Sales Committee, Stallion Committee, Events Committee and Yearling Show Committee. He was also on the...

By Gina Maybee (first appeared in the May 2018 Equiery) As we celebrated Women’s History month in March, one does not hear much about women holding positions of authority in the historically male dominant sport of horse racing. However, at Rosecroft that is what is happening. In August of 2016, Rosecroft Raceway was purchased by The Stronach Group, whose chairman and president is the successful businesswoman Belinda Stronach. Many in the Thoroughbred world are aware of her accomplishments, but the harness industry may not be since this is their first venture into harness racing. Belinda has held many powerful positions in another male dominated automotive industry. In 2010, Belinda shifted her focus from the automotive industry and became a leader in world-class horse racing, entertainment and pari-mutuel wagering technology. Her vision leads the way for the horse racing industry with the younger generation and women. Working on the day-to-day success at Rosecroft, the Director of Operations Lisa Watts, is a force to be reckoned with. Lisa started her career as a teller in 1987 at Rosecroft. As a teller, she has worked at every track in Maryland both Thoroughbred and Standardbred. After 30 years working in the horse racing business, she has worked as a horsemen’s bookkeeper to mutuels manager. Her experience and expertise of making a racetrack run streamlined and efficiently is part of the success of Rosecroft....