Laurel Park

Address:3600 Fort Meade Rd
Laurel, Maryland

The state of Maryland is known for its thoroughbred horseracing tracks, and Laurel Park is definitely one of its most exciting. Laurel Park has two tracks: the main track, which is a one and one-eighth mile oval, and the mile long turf course. Laurel Park covers 360 acres, and is located between Baltimore and Washington D.C. Along with the Pimlico Racecourse, it is the home of one of the state's biggest horseracing events – the Maryland Million. The Maryland Million is an event that has become one of the nation's best known single days of horseracing excitement, and is eclipsed in local importance only by the Preakness Stakes, the venerable second leg of the American Triple Crown. It was envisioned as a local version of the Breeders Cup, and became so popular with both fans and horsemen that it soon attracted imitators throughout the nation. There are now many such days in different states, featuring either state-bred, or state-sired, horses in festival-like atmospheres. Other big races hosted by Laurel Park race track include the Laurel Dash, the Laurel Futurity, the Endless Surprise Stakes, the Conniver Stakes, the Horatius Stakes, and the Private Terms Stakes.

Laurel Park Racecourse first opened on October 2, 1911 under the auspices of the Laurel Four County Fair. From 1947 to 1984, Laurel Park underwent a period of great change. The track was renamed Laurel Race Course, and the Washington D.C. International was introduced at a distance of 1½ miles on the turf. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the track was renovated extensively. In addition, it was awarded summer racing dates. In 1984, Laurel Park Racecourse was updated again, with the introduction of a 'Sports Palace' facility, renovation of the clubhouse, and exterior improvements. In 1994 the track's name returned to "Laurel Park." Other improvements included those to the main entrance, grandstand interior, and backstretch barns. In 2004, another renovation of Laurel Park's track and facility took place, with a nearly seven-month closure of Laurel Park's backstretch and racing surfaces for widening, extension, and restoration of the dirt surface.

Laurel Park is open between January and April for the winter meet, 10 days in August for the summer meet, and from September to the end of December for the fall meet. The admission fee for full access to Laurel Grandstand and Clubhouse is around $3. Night and Simulcast racing feature free admission. The doors open at 11 AM here, with post time at 12:10 PM.

Laurel Park is located twenty-two miles from Washington or Baltimore on Route 198 in Laurel, four miles east of I-95 (Exit 33, Route 198 East/Laurel) and two miles west of I-295/Baltimore Washington Parkway (Exit on Route 198 West/Laurel). You can also take the MARC Train'a Camden line to the Laurel Racetrack stop. Plenty of parking is available in the area. On live racing days general parking is free, preferred parking costs $2, and Valet parking is $5. Simulcasting parking is free.