Timonium

Address:2200 York Rd
Timonium, Maryland

If you are looking for a racetrack with a family atmosphere, and a close up look at the action, Timonium Racetrack is the place to go. Timonium Racetrack in Maryland features thoroughbred racing meets eight days a year, and is held at the track in conjunction with the Maryland State Fair. Eight days is a short period of time, but that's long enough to give the track a special atmosphere all its own.

Timonium puts on a program unique to Maryland racing. At five-eighths of a mile, Timonium is barely half the size of Pimlico Race Course, and the tiny oval gives fans in the 5,000 capacity grandstand an opportunity to clearly see races unfold on the far side of the track. Surrounded by Ferris wheels and roller coasters, the racetrack at Timonium Fairgrounds resembles a carousel with live horses. As a tiny oval with hairpin turns, it's a real thrill for some jockeys, although a not-so-merry-go-round for others. The atmosphere is a lot different than at most tracks, with the fair, the kids and the Ferris wheel rising in the background above the skyline. The sweet smell of funnel cakes wafting over from the midway gives Timonium a fun, summer atmosphere.

Jockeys often refer to Timonium as the Arena Football League of horse racing. In such cramped quarters, every move you make is exaggerated. For instance, the 100-foot Ferris wheel spinning near the far turn has scared more than one horse. Sometimes, horses will look at the wheel and approach it a little shyly in the middle of the turn. Because the track is so short - jockeys refer to it as a bullring - horses may have to circle it more than once in a race, and some animals find that confusing. More than once, horses coming down the stretch for the first time have pulled up, as though the race was over, before realizing they still had to go around again.

Thoroughbred racing was first held at Timonium Racetrack during the State Fair in 1887, and big stakes events held here including the Alma North Handicap, Taking Risk Stakes, Bobby Hale Stakes, Linkage Stakes, and Winning Colors Stakes. In the 1970's, the Maryland Racing Industry took steps to have the Fair's thoroughbred horseracing dates transferred from Timonium Racetrack to other Maryland tracks. However, directors of the Fair recognized that such a move would threaten the Fair's survival. The Committee of Friends of the Maryland State Fair successfully convinced the public, and the Maryland Legislature, of the value in keeping thoroughbred racing as a part of the Fair. Since then the fair continued to flourish, as facilities were expanded and modernized, allowing for more and better exhibits and competitions.

The price of admission to the Maryland State Fair includes admission to the racetrack. Timonium simulcasts races on all days of the Maryland State Fair from a variety of other tracks around the country.

Timonium Racetrack is located at the Intersection of Timonium and York roads in Timonium, Maryland. Because convenient parking is limited, it's recommended that you make use of the light rail. There is a light rail stop opposite the entrance to the Fairgrounds, near the Cow Palace. Bus service is also available, beginning at the University Hospital in Baltimore, going through Towson, and on to Timonium via Bus Number 8. Limited parking is available at the Fairgrounds for a minimal fee. Free parking is available at the Park and Ride location on Deereco Road west of the Fairgrounds, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.