Rosecroft Raceway
Rosecroft Raceway is one of Maryland's leading harness racing facilities. It is one of the premier attractions of the charming town of Ft. Washington, which is located right outside of the nation's capital.
First opened in 1949, it has hosted countless races and has brought excitement to multitudes of fans and enthusiasts. Rosecroft swiftly emerged as a central venue in Mid-Atlantic harness racing, attracting large crowds and launching key initiatives like the Maryland Sire Stakes and annual yearling sales that significantly boosted the state's breeding industry.
By the 1950s and 1960s, the track had firmly established itself as both a premier sporting and social destination, with ongoing track surface improvements and facility modernizations to accommodate growing attendance and wagering.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Rosecroft Raceway rose to national prominence by hosting major harness racing events, including races from the first Breeders Crown series and the Messenger Stakes - one of the three legs of the Pacing Triple Crown - from 1990 to 1994. The track also recorded its highest betting volumes during this period, cementing its place as a leading venue on the North American harness racing circuit.
Challenges soon followed, however, as financial difficulties, a broader decline in the industry, and a devastating grandstand fire in 1991 triggered a series of ownership changes through the 1990s and 2000s that steadily eroded operational stability.
Live racing ended in 2008, and the facility closed completely in 2010. After entering bankruptcy, it was acquired by Penn National Gaming in 2011, which reopened the track for simulcast wagering and eventually restored live racing. A more stable era began in 2016 when The Stronach Group purchased the property, providing new investment and greater long-term security.
In recent years, Rosecroft has concentrated on building regional prominence and staging standout events, such as the revived Potomac Pace, while remaining an important Mid-Atlantic harness racing hub. Having celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024, Rosecroft Raceway endures as one of the sport's resilient landmarks, appropriately nicknamed the "Raceway by the Beltway."
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Rosecroft Raceway Track Records
| PACERS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Mile Distance | ||||
| Date | Horse Name | Driver | Age/Breed | Time |
| 08/29/1998 | Falcon’s Icon | G. Brennan, Jr. | 2-year-old colt | 1:52.0 |
| 10/11/2022 | Square Deal | J. Roberts | 2-year-old filly | 1:52.1 |
| 09/22/2019 | Jordons All In | J. Wagner | 2-year-old gelding | 1:52.1 |
| 10/09/2012 | Shady Breeze | C. Welty | 3-year-old colt | 1:50.0 |
| 07/22/2006 | The Queen of Trash | J. Morand | 3-year-old filly | 1:51.1 |
| 06/07/2008 | Sheer Brilliance | V. Kirby | 3-year-old gelding | 1:50.3 |
| 08/31/1996 | Jenna’s Beach Boy | W. Fahy | 4-year-old horse | 1:49.2 |
| 03/21/2017 | Apple Bottom Jeans | S. Nason | 4-year-old mare | 1:50.3 |
| 11/09/2023 | Bythemissal | Y. Gingras | 4-year-old gelding | 1:46.4 |
| 11/05/2017 | Keystone Velocity | D. Dube | Aged horse | 1:47.3 |
| 01/30/2024 | Got the Gold | J. Ahle | Aged mare | 1:50.4 |
| 11/10/2022 | Allywag Hanover | T. McCarthy | Aged geld | 1:46.4 |
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| TROTTERS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Mile Distance | ||||
| Date | Horse Name | Driver | Age/Breed | Time |
| 09/22/2019 | Yall Beneath Me | R. Foster | 2-year-old colt | 1:54.4 |
| 09/29/2025 | And Just Like That | J. Ahle | 2-year-old mare | 1:55.0 |
| 10/03/2018 | Whoondee Goo | J. Morand | 2-year-old gelding | 1:55.1 |
| 10/28/2020 | Yall Beneath Me | R. Foster | 3-year-old colt | 1:53.2 |
| 05/18/2019 | Sleek N Majestic | E. Davis Jr. | 3-year-old mare | 1:54.3 |
| 05/18/2019 | Remarkable De Vie | T. Morgan | 3-year-old gelding | 1:53.4 |
| 05/17/2013 | Pekoe Fashion | J. Roberts | 4-year-old horse | 1:54.0 |
| 04/23/2024 | Call Me Goo | T. Tetrick | 4-year-old mare | 1:54.2 |
| 11/08/2022 | Givem the Goo | J. Moyer | 4-year-old gelding | 1:53.4 |
| 04/04/2023 | Yall Beneath Me | J. Ahle | Aged horse | 1:53.2 |
| 03/10/2019 | Whambamthankurpaam | T. Morgan | Aged mare | 1:54.4 |
| 04/23/2025 | College Tuition | J. Ahle | Aged geld | 1:52.4 |
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Top 5 Winningest Drivers in Rosecroft Raceway
- Jonathan Roberts - Jonathan Roberts is one of the most accomplished drivers at Rosecroft Raceway and a standout on the Mid-Atlantic harness racing circuit. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the sport, Roberts began racing in 1999 and secured his first official win shortly after. Over the years, he has built a reputation for precision, tactical skill, and consistency. In the 2025 season, Roberts recorded 82 wins, more than any other driver at Rosecroft, along with numerous second- and third-place finishes. He excels in both open and conditioned races and is known for dominating major race nights, often sweeping multiple events in a single program.
- Russell Foster - Russell Foster has proven himself as a top driver at Rosecroft Raceway, consistently competing at the highest level. In 2025, he recorded 80 wins, regularly putting himself in contention for driving titles. Foster is known for his tactical prowess, making smart moves from various post positions and turning competitive races into victories. He frequently shines on major race nights, including performances where he captured four wins in a single card, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure and make the right moves at the right time.
- Johnathan Ahle - Johnathan Ahle is a rising star in Maryland harness racing, rapidly making his mark at Rosecroft Raceway. In 2025, Ahle secured 56 wins, showcasing both talent and consistency. He has proven especially effective with younger horses, winning multiple Maryland Sire Stakes preliminaries and other stakes-level competitions. Ahle combines youthful energy with smart pacing strategy, quickly becoming a driver to watch for the future.
- Roger Plante Jr. - Roger Plante Jr. is a veteran driver whose experience and skill make him one of Rosecroft Raceway's most respected figures. In 2025, he tallied 54 wins, maintaining a consistent presence near the top of the standings. His career includes thousands of victories, including his milestone 3,000th lifetime win at Rosecroft, highlighting his longevity and success. Plante combines experience with reliability, performing well in both high-pressure stakes' races and regular weekly programs.
- John Wagner - John Wagner is a true legend in Maryland harness racing and a historic figure at Rosecroft Raceway. Beginning his career at the track in the 1970s, Wagner went on to become one of the state's all-time winningest drivers, accumulating thousands of victories throughout his decades-long career. While current seasonal statistics may favor modern drivers, Wagner's influence and record-setting achievements have set the standard for Rosecroft drivers and inspired generations in the sport.
Top 5 Winningest Trainers in Rosecroft Raceway
- Johnny Crites Jr. - Johnny Crites Jr. is currently the top trainer at Rosecroft Raceway, leading the 2025 season with the most wins. His stable consistently produces well-prepared horses that perform at the highest level, excelling in both pacing and trotting events. Crites is known for his careful preparation, strategic race placements, and ability to keep his horses competitive throughout the meet.
- Howard Birney - Howard Birney has long been a mainstay of the Maryland harness racing scene and continues to shine at Rosecroft. With numerous wins in the 2025 season, his horses consistently deliver strong performances. Birney's experience and skill in conditioning horses for competitive racing make him one of the most respected trainers on the circuit.
- William "Rusty" Cox - William "Rusty" Cox has trained horses at Rosecroft for over four decades, earning respect for his consistency and horsemanship. Over his career, he has guided well over 150 winners and continues to be a trusted figure in Maryland harness racing. Cox's stable regularly produces horses that outperform expectations, particularly in conditioned events.
- Ken Schlotzhauer - Ken Schlotzhauer has been a leading trainer at Rosecroft for multiple seasons and is recognized for his competitive edge and longevity. He has been in contention for training titles in past years and remains a familiar name among the track's top conditioners. Schlotzhauer's horses consistently show strong performances, highlighting his deep knowledge of race preparation and placement.
- Brittany Bounds - Brittany Bounds has emerged as one of the most promising young trainers at Rosecroft Raceway. She has quickly built a reputation for preparing competitive horses and achieving multiple wins on featured race nights. Bounds' talent for placing horses in races where they can excel has made her a standout in a field traditionally dominated by veteran trainers.
The largest handle ever recorded at Rosecroft Raceway was $1,195,681. This was achieved on September 8, 1990. The largest attendance ever recorded was on June 17, 1965 when 13,158 fans were in attendance.
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Rosecroft Raceway Track Facts
Considered one of the East Coast's finest harness racing facilities, Rosecroft boasts an ultra-modern track with 90 feet wide stretches and a 520-foot long homestretch. The track can accommodate 9 starters behind the gate and has a speed rating of 1:591. It also features an attractive grandstand and clubhouse.
Special Racing Events
Major racing events held at Rosecroft Raceway include:
- Maryland Sire Stakes
- Wayne Smullin Memorial Finals
- Miss Rosecroft Finals
- Events for the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund
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