MSA Has Tentative Agreement To Purchase Laurel Park

The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) on January 12 announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with 1/ST Racing (The Stronach Group) to acquire Laurel Park for the purposes of redevelopment into a premier hub for Thoroughbred training in Maryland.

The MSA said the deal is projected to save roughly $50 million for the Pimlico Plus plan and marks a strategic realignment of the state’s plans to transform Pimlico into the heart of statewide Thoroughbred racing, build a world-class horse training center, and secure the future of Maryland’s multibillion-dollar horseracing industry.

“The action marks the first step in writing the next chapter of Maryland’s rich Thoroughbred racing heritage,” MSA Chairman Craig A. Thompson said. “This represents more than a planned acquisition—it represents the preservation of a storied racing facility. By pursuing Laurel Park as the home of Maryland’s statewide training center, we are creating a path to secure the state’s historic investments into Maryland’s horse industry and develop the next generation of Triple Crown champions.”

Since January 1, 2025, the state has leased the 229-acre site from 1/ST Racing as a transition facility while Pimlico is being redeveloped, as outlined by a master agreement approved in May 2024. Under those terms, racing operations would have permanently ended at Laurel at the conclusion of the lease. While final details will be negotiated in the coming weeks, the MSA hopes to assume ownership of Laurel, pending necessary approvals and closing procedures, giving the historic landmark a renewed purpose as a best-in-class horse training facility.

“This plan represents a pivotal opportunity to secure the future of Maryland racing,” said Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) President Katharine M. Voss. “By preserving and reinvigorating Laurel Park as a premier Thoroughbred training center and aligning it with a reimagined Pimlico, the state and Governor Wes Moore have taken decisive action to preserve a historic industry that has supported Maryland families for generations.

“This approach delivers long-term certainty for horsemen, stability for thousands of workers, and ensures that Maryland’s rich racing heritage remains a strong and sustainable economic engine for generations to come.”

Further details were revealed during a January 21 meeting of the Maryland House Appropriations Committee, which held a hearing on the overall racing industry in the state. Gary McGuigan, the MSA Vice President of the Capital Projects Development Group, said there is a letter of intent to purchase Laurel. He said the cost of the purchase had not been determined, but did say about $120 million would be available for the purchase and upgrade of the Laurel stable area, which includes dormitories.

McGuigan noted the plans for Pimlico continue to change. After receiving feedback from state and local officials in Baltimore, it was determined that Pimlico would become a ship-in track with a Preakness stakes barn and hundreds of other stalls housed in a receiving barn. Not building a full barn area for year-round training will allow for about 1,000 more parking spaces.

MSA officials noted that the Pimlico clubhouse/grandstand building will double as event space for the local community, and they said there already has been interest from the business community on the five “out-parcels” at Pimlico which are primarily located between Rogers Avenue and Northern Parkway. A request for proposals will be issued in the summer of 2026.

The 151st Preakness will run at Laurel as scheduled on May 16, 2026, before returning to Pimlico in 2027. McGuigan acknowledged construction most likely will be going on at Pimlico next year, so the Preakness will be an “overlay event,” meaning heavy use of temporary facilities.

Once finalized, acquisition costs for Laurel will be paid by the MSA with available project funds. At that point, the state will pursue methods to offset the costs, to include revenue bonds issued by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) will continue to oversee daily operations at Laurel under state ownership.

“This planned approach affords maximum flexibility, cost savings and efficiencies going forward on behalf of the state and Thoroughbred industry.” MEDCO Executive Director Tom Sadowski said. “We look forward to the prospect of Laurel Park continuing to support Maryland’s storied racing tradition, with a renewed focus on training excellence and equine health.”

The state had purchased Shamrock Farm for about $4.5 million to be the site of a new training center, but MSA officials said environmental issues and cost overruns led them to change course.

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