Explore Maryland's iconic racing venues including Pimlico, Laurel Park, and the prestigious Preakness Stakes
Major Racing Facilities
Preakness Stakes (Triple Crown)
Years of Preakness History
2025 Racing Days
Maryland is home to some of America's most prestigious horse racing venues, anchored by Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, host of the legendary Preakness Stakes. Maryland operates five major racing facilities: Pimlico, Laurel Park, Ocean Downs, Rosecroft Raceway, and Timonium Race Course. The state hosts 127 racing days annually, creating year-round opportunities for thoroughbred and harness racing fans.
In January 2025, management of Maryland thoroughbred racing transferred from the Stronach Group to the newly-formed, state-owned Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA), marking a new chapter in the state's racing governance. Pimlico underwent major reconstruction, with 2025 hosting the 150th Preakness at the historic venue before relocation to Laurel Park for 2026-2027 during renovation completion.
Pimlico (Est. 1870): Pimlico Race Course was established in 1870 in Baltimore, becoming Maryland's flagship thoroughbred venue. The track is renowned for hosting the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown. Built in the historic northwest Baltimore neighborhood, Pimlico became one of America's most iconic racing venues with significant architectural significance.
Preakness Stakes (Est. 1873): First run in 1873, the Preakness Stakes is America's second-oldest thoroughbred race (after the Kentucky Derby, founded 1875). Run annually on the third Saturday in May, the race is the second leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown - between the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Named after a colt that won the inaugural race at Pimlico's opening day (October 25, 1870), the Preakness has remained synonymous with Maryland horse racing. The 2025 running marks the 150th Preakness, a historic milestone. The Preakness is traditionally held at Pimlico, though 2025 and 2026 will see the race hosted at Laurel Park during Pimlico renovations and reconstruction.
Historic Maryland Horses: Maryland has produced numerous Triple Crown-winning bloodlines through Belair Stud. Gallant Fox (1930) and his son Omaha (1935) remain the only father/son horse pair to both win the Triple Crown. War Admiral (1937 Triple Crown winner) trained at Glen Riddle Farm in Maryland and was sired by Man o'War, who was named 1920 Horse of the Year after winning the Preakness and Belmont. Cigar, foaled in 1990 at Country Life Farm in Bel Air, earned nearly $10 million and became one of the greatest Thoroughbreds of the late 20th century.
Laurel Park (Est. 1911): Laurel Park opened in 1911 in Maryland City and has developed a strong reputation for excellent racing, wagering facilities, and visitor amenities. The track will serve as temporary host to the Preakness Stakes during 2025-2026 while Pimlico undergoes major reconstruction, then return to hosting its full calendar of thoroughbred racing.
Modern Transition (2025): In January 2025, management of Maryland thoroughbred racing transferred from the Stronach Group to the newly-formed, state-owned Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA), marking a new chapter in the state's racing governance. Pimlico underwent major reconstruction, with 2025 hosting the historic 150th Preakness at the venue before relocation to Laurel Park for 2026-2027 during renovation completion. The reconstruction plan includes a 5,000-seat grandstand, 1,000-seat event space, hotel, sportsbook, restaurants, reworked infield for festivals, and 2,000-space parking garage.
Location: 5201 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
Type: Thoroughbred Racing
Website: pimlico.com
Pimlico Race Course, established in 1870, is Maryland's most iconic racecourse and host of the legendary Preakness Stakes. The track closed in September 2024 for major renovations, with 2025 Preakness hosted at Pimlico and 2026 Preakness at Laurel Park during reconstruction. Demolition of the historic grandstand commenced in July 2025.
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Location: Maryland 198 & Laurel Race Track Rd, Maryland City, MD 20724
Type: Thoroughbred Racing
Website: pimlico.com
Laurel Park, opened in 1911, has established a strong reputation for excellent racing, wagering, and visitor facilities. The track hosts comprehensive racing calendars with 114 racing days in 2025. Laurel Park will host the Preakness Stakes during 2025-2026 while Pimlico undergoes renovation.
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Location: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD 21811 (near Ocean City)
Type: Standardbred (Harness) Racing
Website: oceandowns.com
Ocean Downs, opened in 1949 in Worcester County between Ocean City and Berlin, is Maryland's premier harness racing facility. Originally called Delmarva Downs (1986), the track reverted to Ocean Downs after purchase by William Rickman in 2000. Churchill Downs Inc. currently owns and operates the facility.
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Location: 6336 Rosecroft Drive, Fort Washington, MD 20744
Type: Standardbred (Harness) Racing
Website: rosecroft.com
Rosecroft Raceway is Maryland's premier harness racing facility with a full live racing season from February through December, making it a year-round destination for standardbred racing enthusiasts.
Location: Maryland State Fair Grounds, Timonium, Maryland
Type: Thoroughbred & Harness Racing
Timonium comes alive during Maryland State Fair with live racing featuring both thoroughbred and harness racing events, representing the historic connection between racing and agricultural fair traditions.
Maryland's thoroughbred racing centers on prestigious tracks Pimlico and Laurel Park, featuring competitive racing for 3-year-olds (Derby and Oaks contenders) through aged horses. The state's most famous race is the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Harness racing thrives at Rosecroft Raceway (year-round) and Ocean Downs, featuring standardbred horses pulling sulkies in trotting or pacing races at 1-mile distances.
The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown, held annually on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore (temporarily at Laurel Park in 2026 during renovations). First run in 1873, the 150th Preakness occurs in 2025.
Pimlico, established in 1870, is home to the Preakness Stakes and one of America's most prestigious racing venues. Currently undergoing major renovation to continue its legacy.
The 2026 Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park while Pimlico undergoes major reconstruction. The race returns to Pimlico in 2027.
Maryland offers both thoroughbred and harness racing. Thoroughbred racing at Pimlico and Laurel Park features the prestigious Preakness Stakes. Harness racing at Rosecroft Raceway and Ocean Downs features standardbred horses pulling sulkies.
Last updated on November 27, 2025