Olympian Stettinius to Enter Horses in Maryland Million
Former pentathlete and trainer Suzanne Stettinius will compete with two horses at Laurel Park on October 24, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Equestrian
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Former U.S. Olympian Suzanne Stettinius is set to participate in the Maryland Million race on October 24, 2026. Stettinius, a thoroughbred trainer based in Parkton, has entered two of her horses into the day's competition.
Why it matters
The entry marks a significant milestone for Stettinius as she transitions from her background as a modern pentathlete to a competitive presence in thoroughbred racing. Her participation underscores the diverse career paths taken by former Olympic athletes.
Stettinius has entered two horses in the Maryland Million, with Gift of Gab slated for race number eight. She previously achieved her first career stakes win in September 2026.
The players
Suzanne Stettinius
She is a former U.S. Olympic modern pentathlete who has transitioned into a career as a professional thoroughbred racehorse trainer.
Gift of Gab
This is a thoroughbred racehorse currently in training under the care of Suzanne Stettinius.
Goodbye Note
This is a thoroughbred racehorse trained by Suzanne Stettinius that is entered to compete in the Maryland Million Classic.
The details
Stettinius, who competed in the 2012 London Summer Olympics in modern pentathlon, has prepared her horses for the event at her own barn. For the Maryland Million Classic, she has secured a jockey who previously won the Preakness Stakes to ride Goodbye Note.
Timeline
2012: Stettinius competed in the London Summer Olympics.
September 2026: Stettinius won her first career stakes race.
October 24, 2026: Stettinius competes in the Maryland Million.
Season Trajectory
The involvement of trainers with high-level professional backgrounds signals a shift in the competitive depth of regional racing events. This trend elevates the talent pool in state-specific circuits, impacting the overall prestige and outcome of the season.
Fans tracking the Maryland Million can expect to see Goodbye Note compete in the Classic race, while Gift of Gab is scheduled for the eighth race of the day. The engagement of a Preakness-winning jockey provides a distinct competitive advantage for the stable.
The takeaway
Stettinius represents a unique bridge between Olympic-level athleticism and professional horse training. Her participation serves as a reminder of the diverse career evolutions available to elite athletes after their initial sporting careers conclude.
Further reading
For more news on local horse racing, see the Maryland Equestrian section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBAL.
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