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The Maryland Stadium Authority will acquire Laurel Park from The Stronach Group and redevelop it into a state-of-the-art thoroughbred training facility, a move projected to save the state approximately $50 million and secure the future of MarylandS horse racing industry. The deal, announced January 21, 2026, represents a significant realignment of the state’s plans for the ongoing remodel of Pimlico Race Course.
A Strategic Shift for Maryland Racing
“Today’s action marks the first step in writing the next chapter of Maryland’s rich thoroughbred racing heritage,” stated a senior official with the Maryland Stadium Authority. “This represents more than a planned acquisition; it represents the preservation of a storied racing facility.” The Maryland Stadium Authority will assume ownership of laurel Park, while the Maryland Jockey Club will continue to oversee daily operations at the site.
A key component of the agreement involves consolidating day-to-day racing and training operations at the new, centralized training center at Laurel Park. This strategic shift will allow Pimlico Race Course to transition to a “ship-in” racing model, where horses and trainers will travel to the venue solely for racing days. According to a company release, this pivot is expected to yield substantial cost savings.
Cost Savings and Future Development at Pimlico
The “ship-in” model is projected to save the state an estimated $26.3 million in construction costs related to new stalls at Pimlico.Furthermore,pursuing choice options for the large-scale event center at Pimlico is anticipated to generate an additional $22.5 million in savings. Despite these adjustments, the Stadium Authority remains committed to enhancing Pimlico Race Course, with plans to develop gathering spaces within the clubhouse, including a restaurant, sports bar, and meeting areas capable of accommodating approximately 1,500 peopel.
“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,” explained a Maryland jockey Club executive. “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.”
Preakness Stakes to Run at Laurel Park in 2026
The 151st Preakness stakes is scheduled to be held at Laurel Park on May 16, 2026, before returning to a fully reimagined Pimlico Race Course in the spring of 2027.Once completed, Pimlico will serve as the permanent home for Maryland horse racing, hosting approximately 120 racing days annually. This complete plan aims to revitalize Maryland’s horse racing industry and ensure its continued success for generations to come.
Why: The Maryland Stadium Authority is acquiring Laurel Park to transform it into a thoroughbred training facility, primarily to achieve significant cost savings in the ongoing remodel of Pimlico race Course and to secure the future of Maryland’s horse racing industry.The original plan for Pimlico included extensive construction of stalls, which proved costly.
Who: The key players are the Maryland Stadium Authority, which is acquiring Laurel Park from The Stronach Group, and the Maryland Jockey Club, which will continue to oversee daily operations at Laurel Park.Senior officials from both organizations have publicly stated their support for the plan.
What: The plan involves converting Laurel Park into a state-of-the-art training facility and transitioning Pimlico Race Course to a “ship-in” racing model. This means horses will train at Laurel Park and be transported to Pimlico only for racing events. The 151st Preakness Stakes will be held at
