Maryland Stadium Authority has tentative agreement to acquire Laurel Park as a training center

The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) on January 12 announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with 1/ST Racing (The Stronach Group) to acquire Laurel Park for the purposes of redevelopment into a premier hub for Thoroughbred training in Maryland.

The MSA said the deal is projected to save roughly $50 million and marks a strategic realignment of the state’s plans to transform Pimlico Race Course into the heart of statewide Thoroughbred racing, build a world-class horse training center, and secure the future of Maryland’s multibillion-dollar horseracing industry.

“Today’s action marks the first step in writing the next chapter of Maryland’s rich Thoroughbred racing heritage," MSA Chairman Craig A. Thompson said. “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.”

The 229-acre Laurel 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 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 from 1/ST Racing as a transition facility while Pimlico is being redeveloped, as outlined by a master agreement approved in May 2024. Under those terms, racing operations would have permanently ended at Laurel at the conclusion of the lease. While final details will be negotiated in the coming weeks, the MSA will assume ownership of Laurel, pending necessary approvals and closing procedures, giving the historic landmark a renewed purpose as a best-in-class horse training facility.

“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 Wes 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.”

Once finalized, acquisition costs will be paid by the MSA with available project funds. At that point, the state will pursue methods to offset the costs, to include revenue bonds issued by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) 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.” MEDCO Executive Director Tom Sadowski said. “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, while Pimlico will transition to a “ship-in” racing model by which 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 at Pimlico. Moreover, by concentrating all overnight racing staff at Laurel Park, TMJC 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,” TMJC President and General Manager Bill Knauf said. “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 arrangement, 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 MSA still plans to develop gathering spaces at Pimlico’s enhanced clubhouse, to include a restaurant, sports bar, and other meeting areas with total capacity of about 1,500 people.

Over the next few months, the MSA 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. The state had purchased Shamrock Farm in Carroll County after it was selected by now-defunct Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority to be the training center, but environmental and financial issues have led to that plan being scrapped.

The 151st Preakness Stakes will run at Laurel Park as scheduled on May 16, 2026, before returning to Pimlico in 2027 with heavy use of temporary facilities. When construction is completed, Pimlico will become the permanent home of Maryland horse racing.

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