Maryland Stadium Authority Plans to Acquire Laurel Park, Transform it into Statewide Thoroughbred Training Hub

The Maryland Stadium Authority has announced its intent to acquire Laurel Park from The Stronach Group, with plans to redevelop the historic venue into a leading statewide thoroughbred training facility. This strategic move is expected to save the state approximately $50 million and is part of a broader initiative to revitalize Maryland’s multi-billion dollar horse racing industry. The acquisition aims to secure the future of thoroughbred racing in Maryland by establishing a premier training center and transforming Pimlico Race Course into the central hub for racing events.

Laurel Park, which opened in 1911 and spans 229 acres in Anne Arundel County, has been a significant site in Maryland’s racing history. The facility has hosted numerous iconic horses and major racing events. Since January 1, 2025, the state has been leasing Laurel Park from The Stronach Group as a transitional facility while Pimlico undergoes redevelopment, a measure outlined in a master agreement approved in May 2024. Under the terms of this lease, racing operations at Laurel Park were slated to conclude at the end of the lease period. However, the Maryland Stadium Authority’s impending acquisition aims to give the historic site a new purpose as a top-tier horse training facility, pending necessary approvals and closing procedures.

The financial implications of this acquisition are substantial. The Stadium Authority will fund the purchase using available project funds, with plans to offset these costs through revenue bonds issued by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). This approach is anticipated to save the state $26.3 million in construction costs that would have been allocated for new stalls at Pimlico. Additionally, consolidating training operations at Laurel Park is projected to save the Maryland Jockey Club $2.5 million annually in operating expenses. The plan also includes pursuing alternatives to a large-scale event center at Pimlico, leading to further savings of $22.5 million.

The redevelopment of Laurel Park into a statewide training center will accommodate approximately 1,100 horse stalls, consolidating daily racing and training operations. In contrast, Pimlico Race Course will shift to a “ship-in” racing model, where horses and trainers will travel to the venue only on racing days. This strategic realignment is expected to support approximately 500 jobs in Laurel and preserve around 1,000 parking spaces near Pimlico. The Maryland Jockey Club will continue to manage daily operations at Laurel Park under state ownership, ensuring a smooth transition for horsemen and staff. The existing dirt and turf surfaces at Laurel Park are considered ideal for preparing horses for races at the new Pimlico Race Course.

The future of Shamrock Farm, a related property, will also be addressed. Over the coming months, the Stadium Authority will establish a task force involving local officials and industry leaders to determine Shamrock Farm’s future use, which may include repurposing it as a horse rescue sanctuary or for future recreational development.

The transformation of Laurel Park is poised to have a significant economic impact on Maryland. The state’s equine ecosystem is a considerable contributor to the economy, generating approximately $3 billion in economic activity and utilizing over 25 percent of the state’s agricultural land. The horse industry supports more than 28,000 jobs and contributes $1.2 billion in wages. This strategic pivot is designed to ensure the long-term viability of this historic industry, providing certainty for horsemen, stability for workers, and preserving Maryland’s racing heritage as a strong economic driver for generations to come.

The 151st Preakness Stakes is scheduled to take place at Laurel Park on May 16, 2026. Following this event, racing will return to a reimagined Pimlico Race Course in the spring of 2027, which will then serve as the permanent home for Maryland horse racing, hosting approximately 120 racing days annually. While Pimlico will focus on racing events, the enhanced clubhouse will feature new gathering spaces, including a restaurant, sports bar, and meeting areas with a combined capacity for about 1,500 people.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Maryland Stadium Authority

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