There are few more historic sporting locations in the state of Maryland than Laurel Park. The racecourse hosts some of the most notable races on the U.S. horse racing schedule, and it regularly attracts capacity crowds throughout the season.
Located in the heart of Laurel, it has been hosting racing action, according to TwinSpires, since the early 1900s, and the popularity of attending a race day at the track remains as high as ever.
But, how has Laurel Park become a staple of U.S. racing, and what are some of the biggest races on the schedule throughout the season?
Early History
Laurel Park’s history dates back to October 1911 when it was opened to the public for the first time under the stewardship of the Laurel Four County Fair. However, its success wasn’t accelerated until it was purchased by Philip J. Dwyer in 1914.
The businessman had the plan to host major races at the track, and put racing above anything else that the course was looking to achieve. Matt Winn was appointed as the general manager following the purchase, and he was tasked with ensuring that the ground was suitable for racing.
Laurel Park has also been a sight for historical relevant events, with the Army Engineers using the course in Maryland as their base before being deployed to France during the First World War.
Changes in Ownership
Following a stable fire in 1946, the track would be put up for sale, with the Maryland Jockey Club purchasing the track and estate from Butler in 1947. The main aim of the purchase was to shift the racing being staged at Pimlico to Laurel Park. But, this was later rejected by the Maryland General Assembly, and that led to another change in ownership when Morris Schapiro brought the track in 1950.
Huge changes would be made at Laurel Park under Schapiro’s ownership, which included the renaming of the course and the introduction of the Washington D.C. International Stakes. A new club house at Laurel Park was opened in 1953, before horses were saved from a second barn fire in the following year.
Changes to the view experience were made in 1957 when the grandstand was remodelled to ensure that it was competitive with other courses across the United States. Emphasis was put on turf races during this period, with huge money spent on improving track conditions to ensure that the safety of horses competing in the International Turf Cup was maintained.
Schaprio’s Departure
Laurel would change the clubhouse and grandstands once again in 1966, with the aim to host winter racing. However, it was later awarded summer racing as well in 1982. Two years later, Schapiro ended his 34-year stay at the helm of operations at the track, with the course starting a new era under the guidance of Frank J. De Francis and his partners purchased the track. His son would later serve as president of both Laurel and Pimlico following his death in 1989. It was during this period that the track’s name was returned to Laurel Park.
Various changes in ownership would follow over the next 20 years, before Penn National Gaming and MI Developments formed a joint partnership in 2009. However, this would be short lived with The Stronach Group eventually buying out both in 2011.
Initial signs looked promising for the track’s future, with the new owners announcing year-long racing at the course in order to fund development work. However, problems began to arise in 2021 when Laurel’s spring calendar was shifted to Pimlico due to concerns surrounding the track.
Planned Closure
Despite being at the heart of the local community, it was announced in January 2024 that plans to revamp Pimlico would come at the expense of Laurel Park.
Pimlico will close after the 2025 edition of the middle Triple Crown race to complete work, with the Preakness Stakes in 2026 being staged at Laurel Park while work is being completed. The bill to confirm this was passed in April 2024.
It is believed that Laurel will close permanently for racing after the Preakness Stakes, with the site set to be used for development plans by the state.
Major Events at Laurel Park
Fears of Laurel Park closing its doors for good has pushed fans to remember about some of the most famous moments at the track. Superstars have performed at the track throughout its history, with Sir Barton, War Admiral, Secretariat, and Affirmed all winning ways at Laurel.
Further Classic winners have also been seen in-person at the track, with Barbaro, Spectacular Bid, and Riva Ridge all competing at the Maryland course. It was also the home of Seabiscuit as the legendary equine star prepared for his famous match race against War Admiral.
Stakes races have also been on the card throughout history, with big names attracted to run in the Barbara Fritchie Stakes, Baltimore Washington International Turf Cup, and General George Stakes.
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