Twilight Tear’s victory in the Pimlico Special, and for the first time in Maryland’s history an average daily handle of more than $1 million, were among the highlights of the 22-day Pimlico fall meet.

Don Reed wrote: “Looking back over the year, one very definite impression is retained. That the public wanted racing, that there was plenty of money for betting, for the purchase of horses and for a great many other amusements and sports. How long this boom will last, no one can foretell, but Maryland profited very well because it existed in 1944.”

Seldom had a stable dominated the sport in one state as did Twilight Tear’s owner Calumet Farm. With Pensive taking the Preakness and Pot O’Luck taking the Pimlico Futurity, Calumet won the two richest stakes in the spring and fall.

• The state’s leading owners were led by H. Guy Bedwell, winner of 26 races and $58,275, including the Jennings Handicap with Sollure. H.L. Straus was next, with William Brann in third. Bedwell also led all trainers in the state, with 27 wins, and would once again send a string to California for the winter.