MISSION STATEMENT

To create and maintain a Maryland-bred Thoroughbred Hall of Fame (MTHOF) as a means of celebrating the excellence of state-bred Thoroughbred horses.  Maryland-bred horses are distinguished by both their on-track achievements and their impact on the stud book. MTHOF seeks to extol the significant contributions of Maryland-breds to racing and breeding nationally and internationally, and to showcase their enduring legacies. 

BACKGROUND

In January 2013 the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) and the Maryland Racing Media Association (MRMA) began collaborating on plans for a hall of fame to illuminate the accomplishments of Maryland-bred Thoroughbreds. The meetings took place in the offices of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association to establish the framework, procedures and inaugural selections for a Maryland-bred Thoroughbred Hall of Fame. The persons in attendance included journalists, breeders, owners and racing industry officials, represented a broad cross-section of the Maryland racing and breeding industry.

The committee deemed eligible those flat runners and steeplechase horses at least five years retired from racing. The committee determined to enshrine twelve Maryland-bred horses for the inaugural class of 2013, and as many as two Thoroughbreds each subsequent year by selection committee vote. The group decided to focus on horses for the initial classes but will consider identifying the contributions of people important to the Maryland industry as the project moves forward.

Though the MHBA has honored Maryland-bred champions annually, induction into this Hall of Fame will be a distinct honor for important Maryland-bred horses. The MTHOF will serve as a repository of information about those horses that have brought positive attention to the heritage and industry in Maryland.

At its inception, the Maryland-bred Thoroughbred Hall of Fame inductions will be ceremonial in nature and commemorated virtually until the MHBA is able to establish a permanent facility in which to enshrine inductees. 

A celebration of the inaugural class was held at Pimlico on May 11, 2013.