LAUREL, Md. — A new era for Maryland horse racing could be on the horizon.
On Wednesday the Maryland Stadium Authority said it reached a tentative agreement with The Stronach Group to acquire Laurel Park.
Current plans are to transform the facility into a thoroughbred training hub.
Since 1911 the 229-acre site based out of Anne Arundel County has hosted daily races, including the upcoming 151st Preakness Stakes, while Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course undergoes redevelopment.
While the State began leasing Laurel Park from the Stronach Group in January 2025, the Maryland Jockey Club has continued to oversee daily operations.
"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 Stadium Authority said in a release.
Once Pimlico construction is complete, it will replace Laurel as Maryland's main home for horse racing.
Officials estimate the Laurel initiative will account for 500 jobs, while saving $50 million in combined costs.
Project funding will be paid by the Stadium Authority, partially byway of revenue bonds through the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO).
Maryland says the equine industry drives $3 billion in economic activity, supporting over 28,000 jobs equating to $1.2 billion in wages.
Additionally, the Stadium Authority is looking to create a task force to determine the future of Shamrock Farm, which may turn into a horse rescue sanctuary.
