450 free Thanksgiving dinners served at Laurel, Pimlico

About 450 backstretch workers and trainers, along with some members of the Maryland Jockey Club staff, were treated to a free full Thanksgiving dinner at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course on Thursday, Nov. 25.

The tradition of providing Thanksgiving dinner sponsored by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and provided by the Paz family began decades ago in Maryland. This year's meal featured turkey along with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beens and corn. The MJC, which distributes apple and pumpkin pies to patrons during the Thanksgiving Day racing program, provided free full pies of choice for those who visited the two track kitchens for meals.

The dinners were served from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The MJC each year also offers a free Christmas Day breakfast at Laurel and Pimlico in partnership with the Paz family, which operates both track kitchens.