Hearings on MD racing legislation show strong support

The initial Maryland General Assembly committee hearings on legislation that would rebuild Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park and strengthen the foundation for horse racing over the next 30 years reflected strong support from state, county and city government officials as well as business leaders.

Two bills—they are almost identical—were heard Feb. 25 in the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. The legislation creates a funding structure for about $375 million in bonds for the two projects, puts the property on which the two tracks sit under city or county control, and has provisions for equine health and safety initiatives.