Maryland Pauses on Laurel Park Purchase

Photo by John Rydell/Maryland Matters

For stadium and track enthusiasts following the massive overhaul of Maryland's racing facilities, the long-term vision for Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course has hit a slight delay. The Legislative Policy Committee recently imposed a 45-day pause on the Maryland Stadium Authority's proposed $48.5 million purchase of Laurel Park, asking for a cost-benefit review of the deal.

The Maryland Stadium Authority announced the deal with 1/ST Maryland LLC just over two weeks ago, with plans to transform Laurel Park into a state-of-the-art training facility.

Fans attending the 151st Preakness Stakes on May 16 do not need to worry about a venue change. The pause will not affect the race, which is being held at Laurel Park while its traditional home in Baltimore, Pimlico, is currently being razed and rebuilt.

Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) explained that the committee, which consists of House and Senate leaders, wants to look closely at the long-term plans. Ferguson stated they want “to get a full accounting of the dollars that have gone out and plan for the dollars ahead.”

The sudden shift to Laurel Park comes after the state purchased Shamrock Farms in Carroll County for $4.5 million in August. Converting that 328-acre property into a training center was later deemed excessive and environmentally problematic. Officials claimed the Laurel Park purchase would save the state $50 million compared to the Shamrock Farm conversion costs.

A May 4 letter from the legislators pointed out that the Laurel Park proposal “is less expensive, maybe intuitively appealing, [but] no estimates or timelines have been provided.” The letter also stated, “Although MSA [the stadium authority] asserts that Laurel Park is a more suitable project, not much is known about the costs associated with construction of a facility at Shamrock Farm or Laurel Park. MSA has not provided detailed cost estimates for construction or environmental mitigation at either location. MSA has also not disclosed its plan for Shamrock Farm if Laurel Park is purchased.”

These facility developments are part of the state's ongoing efforts to preserve the horse racing industry, which Gov. Wes Moore (D) claims provides nearly 30,000 jobs and $3 billion in economic activity.

In 2024, lawmakers passed the Pimlico Plus Plan to consolidate thoroughbred racing. The plan called for tracks owned by the Stronach Family and 1/ST to close, effectively making the state government the operator of thoroughbred racing in Maryland. Pimlico is slated to be replaced by a modern facility that will host 120 racing days. However, widespread support for the sport remains a concern.

Further complicating the racing landscape, 1/ST recently announced an $85 million deal with Churchill Downs for the intellectual property rights to the Preakness and Black-eyed Susan stakes. This agreement remains subject to the state's licensing deal, which grants Maryland an “exclusive and perpetual license” to the Preakness starting this July. Under that agreement, the state pays a $3 million base fee that increases 2% annually, plus 2% of the race handle. Additionally, the Stronach Family and 1/ST agreed to place the $7 million Woodlawn Vase trophy on permanent loan to the state.

As the state navigates these massive investments in its racing venues, officials are questioning the ongoing approach.