Maryland Stadium Authority Announces Intent to Acquire Laurel Park, Redevelop as Statewide Thoroughbred Training Facility

BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Stadium Authority announced today that it has reached a tentative agreement with The Stronach Group to acquire Laurel Park for the purposes of redevelopment into a premier hub for thoroughbred training in Maryland. The deal is projected to save roughly $50 million and marks a strategic realignment of the State’s plans to transform the Pimlico Race Course into the heart of statewide thoroughbred racing, build a world-class horse training center, and secure the future of Maryland’s multi-billion dollar horse racing industry.

Today’s action marks the first step in writing the next chapter of Maryland’s rich thoroughbred racing heritage," said Maryland Stadium Authority Chairman Craig A. Thompson. “This represents more than a planned acquisition — it represents the preservation of a storied racing facility. By pursuing Laurel Park as the home of Maryland’s statewide training center, we are creating a path to secure the state’s historic investments into Maryland’s horse industry and develop the next generation of Triple Crown champions.”

Opened in 1911, Laurel Park is one of Maryland’s most iconic thoroughbred racing venues. The 229-acre site in Anne Arundel County has hosted generations of fans, champions, and major events, from Triple Crown Winners War Admiral and Secretariat to legendary performers like Led Zeppelin. Today, Laurel Park remains a year-round cornerstone of racing and training in the Mid-Atlantic region, featuring dozens of race days like the annual Jim McKay Maryland Million Day and the 151st Preakness Stakes later this year.

Since January 1, 2025, the State has leased Laurel Park from The Stronach Group as a transition facility while Pimlico is being redeveloped, as outlined by a master agreement approved in May 2024 (link). Under those terms, racing operations would have permanently ended at Laurel Park at the conclusion of the lease. While final details will be negotiated in the coming weeks, the Maryland Stadium Authority will assume ownership of Laurel Park, pending necessary approvals and closing procedures, giving the historic landmark a renewed purpose as a best-in-class horse training facility.

Once finalized, acquisition costs will be paid by the Stadium Authority with available project funds. At that point, the state will pursue methods to offset these costs, to include revenue bonds issued by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). The Maryland Jockey Club will continue to oversee daily operations at Laurel Park under state ownership.

“This planned approach affords maximum flexibility, cost savings and efficiencies going forward— on behalf of the State and thoroughbred industry.” said Maryland Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Tom Sadowski. “We look forward to the prospect of Laurel Park continuing to support Maryland’s storied racing tradition, with a renewed focus on training excellence and equine health.”

With approximately 1,100 horse stalls available for use at Laurel Park, day-to-day racing and training operations will be consolidated at the new statewide training center, while the Pimlico Race Course will transition to a “ship-in” racing model where horses and trainers will travel from other facilities to the venue on racing days. The strategic pivot will save the State an estimated $26.3 million in construction costs toward hundreds of new stalls at Pimlico, support about 500 jobs in Laurel, and preserve roughly 1,000 parking spaces around the race course. Moreover, by concentrating all overnight racing staff at Laurel Park, the Maryland Jockey Club expects to save $2.5 million annually in operating expenses.

“Using Pimlico Race Course as a ship-in track will allow The Maryland Jockey Club to operate a world-class racetrack efficiently, with all training consolidated at Laurel Park,” said Maryland Jockey Club Executive Director Bill Knauf. “Laurel Park is an ideal training center, valued for its history and its status as our current Maryland racing hub. This acquisition enables a smooth transition from racetrack to training facility, minimizing disruption for horsemen and staff. The proven dirt and turf surfaces are ideal for preparing horses for races at the new Pimlico Race Course.”

As part of this strategic pivot, the State will save an additional $22.5 million by pursuing alternatives to a previously designed large-scale contiguous event center at Pimlico, guided by a community needs study conducted by MEDCO. The Stadium Authority still plans to develop gathering spaces at Pimlico’s enhanced clubhouse, to include a restaurant, sports bar, and other meeting areas with total capacity for about 1,500 people.

Over the next few months, the Stadium Authority will convene local officials and industry leaders as part of a task force to determine Shamrock Farm’s future, including potential use as horse rescue sanctuary space or for future recreational development.

“This plan represents a pivotal opportunity to secure the future of Maryland racing,” said Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Katharine M. Voss. “By preserving and reinvigorating Laurel Park as a premier thoroughbred training center and aligning it with a reimagined Pimlico, the State and Governor Moore have taken decisive action to preserve a historic industry that has supported Maryland families for generations. This approach delivers long-term certainty for horsemen, stability for thousands of workers, and ensures that Maryland’s rich racing heritage remains a strong and sustainable economic engine for generations to come.”

The 151st Preakness Stakes will run at Laurel Park as scheduled on May 16, 2026, before returning to a reimagined Pimlico Race Course in spring 2027. Once finished, Pimlico will become the permanent home of Maryland horse racing, with approximately 120 racing days running at the venue each year.

Maryland’s equine ecosystem represents approximately $3 billion in economic activity and over 25 percent of all agricultural land statewide. With more horses per square mile than any other state, Maryland’s horse industry supports over 28,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in wages.