Laurel Park Horse Racing Track in Maryland
Laurel Park racetrack, located in Laurel, Maryland, is an exceptional horse racing venue that has been in operation since 1911. Offering some of the most exciting events on the thoroughbred racing calendar, Laurel Park, keeps racegoers happy with excellent facilities and a vibrant atmosphere.
Opened in 1911, Maryland’s Laurel Park was purchased by James Butler in 1914. The Maryland Jockey Club bought the race track several years later in 1947 and promptly sold it again to Morris Schapiro. Between 1947 and 1984 Laurel Park received a lot of attention, undergoing many renovations and improvements. By 1984 it came under new ownership once again, this time it was bought by Frank J. DeFrancis. Most recently Laurel Park has been sold to Magna Entertainment Corp. who upgraded the racecourse and facilities.
Today, Laurel Park racetrack covers some 360 acres between Washington D.C. And Baltimore. The main dirt track is a 1 mile 600 feet oval with two chutes and a width of 92 feet. The inner turf track measures 7/8 mile and 254 feet with a breadth of 142 feet. Laurel Park has a summer season from July to August and a fall season from October to December. A number of exciting graded and ungraded stakes are run here every year including the Laurel Futurity, Twixt Stakes, Barbara Fritchie Handicap, Frank J. DeFrancis Memorial Dash Stakes, Maryland Juvenile Championship, Japan Racing Association Stakes, Laurel Turf Cup, Gala Lil Stakes, John D.Schapiro Memorial Breeders’ Cup, Maryland Million Classic, Geisha Handicap, Mister Diz Stakes, Sonny Hine Stakes and others.
Laurel Park also boasts brilliant facilities. Horses are housed in 880 stalls. The track has a capacity for about 15,180 racegoers and boasts 350 betting windows along with automated teller machines. There is also plenty of parking available. Doors open at Laurel Park at 11:30 am. Simulcast racing is on offer daily. Visitors can enjoy a grand selection of food and beverages at Laurel Park, rounding off a lovely day at the races.
Maryland’s Laurel Park truly provides an all-round race day experience, that will send everyone home completely satisfied.
