Historic Laurel Park faces shaky future, with changes on horizon for Maryland horse racing

Laurel Park’s horse racing future hinges on a proposal to be made to the Maryland General Assembly next session that could alter thoroughbred racing in the state as we know it. A determination will come from the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, a commission established by Senate Bill 720 in the 2023 legislative session, to make recommendations on the redevelopment of Laurel Park and Pimlico racecourses – the two most prominent, historic, but aging, thoroughbred racetracks in the state.