Live Racing Returns To Fair Hill

Live racing made a successful return to Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area for the first time since 2019 with six races on the flat on the renovated turf course and a large turnout from the public.

Fair Hill carded six 1 5/8-mile races: two for maidens, two under starter allowance conditions, and two limited to horses that had competed in steeplechase events. Each race, which featured a flag start, drew a field of eight with a few also-eligible horses. Purses totaled $150,000.

The meet held by the Cecil County Breeders Fair was operated by the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland. The Maryland Jockey Club provided pari-mutuel wagering services with only on-track betting permitted. The meet received final clearance from the Maryland Racing Commission in mid-August.

Officials are hopeful the return of racing to Fair Hill—by statute it is eligible for up to eight racing dates per year—leads to an expansion of racing dates at the facility that could complement schedules at other Maryland and regional tracks in the future. The turf course was used for training before the one-day meet was held.

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