Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority approves 2025 racing schedule

The Maryland Thoroughbred racing calendar for 2025, formulated with input from various industry organizations, was approved by the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority during its Nov. 15 meeting. The schedule was devised in part to foster regional cooperation in the Mid-Atlantic region and to maximize the available horse population.

Live racing in Maryland next year will be operated by a not-for-profit that falls under the MTROA, which was created by the General Assembly in June 2023. The new entity, called The Maryland Jockey Club, will take over operation of Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course--with a few exceptions tied to the Preakness Stakes--from 1/ST Racing (The Stronach Group) effective Jan. 1, 2025.

An application for live racing dates, submitted by MTROA Chairman Greg Cross to the Maryland Racing Commission in October, calls for 114 programs at Laurel and six at Pimlico in 2025. Going forward, applications for dates will be filed by the new not-for-profit operator.

The schedule was approved in October by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association Board of Directors, which was directly involved in the discussions. The Maryland Horse Breeders Association also signed off on the schedule.

A key aspect of the 2025 schedule is a renewed working relationship with Colonial Downs, the Virginia racetrack that continues to expand its live racing schedule given revenue from historical horse racing machines. Colonial will offer 47 programs next year overly roughly 12 weeks, with most racing in July and August.

"We have a changing environment in our region," said MTROA Interim Chief Executive Officer Corey Johnsen in reference to Colonial Downs. "The fact we were all able to come together is a credit to the horse industry. (This schedule) allows us to study the situation so we'll be so much smarter this fall. It's an important first step."

The Laurel winter meet will begin Jan. 17 and conclude March 30 with racing three days per week--Friday, Saturday and Sunday--with the exception of a one-week break March 14-16 during a special three-day Virginia Derby meet at Colonial. First post time will be the usual 12:25 p.m. The later start in January will give the new operator a few weeks to get established.

The spring meet at Laurel will run from April 4-May 4 on a Friday-through-Sunday schedule. Pimlico, which will host the 150th Preakness in 2025 before demolition and reconstruction begins, will race Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 11, and Thursday, May 15 through Saturday, May 17, which is Preakness Day.

Live racing will return to Laurel for its summer meet May 23 through June 29, primarily Fridays through Sundays. There will be a break in live racing in July and August before the Maryland State Fair at Timonium begins Aug. 22 for its usual seven-day run through Sept. 1.

The summer months offer numerous racing opportunities for owners and trainers in the region as Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia all host race meets, and all of the tracks in operation have turf courses. There have been on-and-off discussions in the Mid-Atlantic over the years about reducing competition and providing a more desirable betting product.

The fall meet at Laurel will begin Sept. 5 and go through Dec. 28 with live racing Friday through Sunday and a special program Thursday, Nov. 27, for Thanksgiving.

"This schedule not only ensures year-round access to high-quality racing opportunities for our horsemen in the region but also supports the successful launch of the new non-profit operating entity," MTHA President Katy Voss said. "It reflects our unwavering commitment to forward-thinking in a rapidly evolving industry. Together with the MTROA and other industry stakeholders, we are excited to shape a vibrant future for Maryland racing--one that supports our state's horsemen, breeders, and entire racing community."

Johnsen and Cross noted that the Maryland industry, in order to protect opportunities for Maryland-based horses, is examining ways to pay Maryland purse and breeder incentives during the dark period in the summer when the horses race in at least Virginia and Delaware.

The Fair Hill Foundation and Cecil County Breeders Fair hope for a return of live racing in 2025 on Saturday, May 25, and Saturday, Aug. 30. The dates submitted to the MRC in October hinge on whether the facility's turf course is in proper condition. Fair Hill officials have said they hope to be able to offer some flat racing on the course to provide additional grass racing opportunities in Maryland.

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