As the thoroughbred horse racing industry struggles with waning interest and grave economic challenges, its Maryland stakeholders are seeking to chart a path forward amid strong headwinds. But to complete that mission, advocates and legislators will soon need to introduce and pass a bill — and quickly, before the General Assembly session ends next month. Equipped with $400 million in state funds approved by the legislature in 2020 and a new proposal — one that would eventually consolidate racing at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, close Anne Arundel County’s Laurel Park and build a training track elsewhere in the state — the newly formed Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority hopes this is the year the industry has a feasible plan.
