The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved the state purchase of Laurel Park, clearing the way for the 229-acre racecourse to become Maryland’s permanent year-round Thoroughbred training centre.
The decision authorises the Maryland Stadium Authority to complete the acquisition as part of the wider Pimlico Plus redevelopment programme, a move designed to reshape the state’s racing infrastructure around a rebuilt Pimlico and a centralised training base at Laurel.
Laurel Park is set to retain around 1,200 stalls, along with existing dirt and turf training surfaces, while the new Pimlico Race Course is planned to operate as a ship-in racing venue once construction is complete. The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association said the approval followed months of evaluation after the previously proposed Shamrock Farm site was judged less practical and cost-effective.
Why Laurel Park Matters To Maryland Racing
The switch to Laurel gives Maryland horsemen a clearer long-term base during a period of major change for one of America’s historic racing states. Pimlico remains central because of the Preakness Stakes, but the day-to-day training question has been just as important for trainers, owners, breeders, backstretch workers and support businesses.
Using Laurel’s existing infrastructure should reduce construction costs and limit disruption for horses already based in the state. The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association said the purchase approval was a significant step towards preserving and strengthening the state’s racing industry.
Further planning and design work will now continue as the Maryland Stadium Authority advances the Laurel training centre alongside the Pimlico rebuild.
