Baltimore, Maryland, January 22, 2026
The Maryland Stadium Authority has updated its $500 million racing overhaul plan, prioritizing the acquisition of Laurel Park for modernization. This shift focuses on creating a leading training facility while abandoning previous plans to develop Shamrock Farm, ultimately aiming to save $50 million in costs. The decision highlights a strategic pivot towards improving Maryland’s thoroughbred racing infrastructure, ensuring a brighter future for the industry.
Maryland Revises $500 Million Racing Overhaul Plan, Shifts Focus to Laurel Park
Baltimore, Maryland – The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) has announced significant changes to its $500 million plan to revitalize the state’s thoroughbred racing infrastructure. The new strategy involves purchasing Laurel Park from The Stronach Group and converting it into a state-of-the-art training facility, while abandoning previous plans to develop Shamrock Farm into a training center.
Key Developments
- Laurel Park Acquisition: The MSA intends to acquire Laurel Park, a historic racetrack located in Laurel, Maryland, to establish a comprehensive training center for thoroughbred racing. This move aims to centralize training operations and enhance the state’s racing capabilities.
- Shamrock Farm Abandonment: Plans to develop Shamrock Farm in Carroll County into a training facility have been abandoned. The MSA will not proceed with the previously approved $4.48 million purchase of Shamrock Farm, opting instead to focus resources on the Laurel Park project.
- Cost Savings: The shift in strategy is projected to save approximately $50 million. This includes avoiding the $116 million redevelopment cost for Shamrock Farm and reallocating funds from the abandoned project to the Laurel Park initiative.
Background Context
The original plan, known as the “Pimlico Plus” project, was approved in 2024 and allocated $400 million in state bonds for the redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore and the construction of a new training facility at Shamrock Farm. However, recent developments have led to a strategic pivot towards enhancing Laurel Park’s facilities to better serve the state’s racing community.
The MSA’s decision to focus on Laurel Park reflects a commitment to modernizing Maryland’s racing infrastructure and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport within the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Maryland Stadium Authority’s new plan for the $500 million racing overhaul?
The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) has announced significant changes to its $500 million plan to revitalize the state’s thoroughbred racing infrastructure. The new strategy involves purchasing Laurel Park from The Stronach Group and converting it into a state-of-the-art training facility, while abandoning previous plans to develop Shamrock Farm into a training center.
Why did the MSA abandon plans for Shamrock Farm?
Plans to develop Shamrock Farm in Carroll County into a training facility have been abandoned. The MSA will not proceed with the previously approved $4.48 million purchase of Shamrock Farm, opting instead to focus resources on the Laurel Park project.
How much is the MSA projected to save with this new strategy?
The shift in strategy is projected to save approximately $50 million. This includes avoiding the $116 million redevelopment cost for Shamrock Farm and reallocating funds from the abandoned project to the Laurel Park initiative.
What was the original plan for the “Pimlico Plus” project?
The original plan, known as the “Pimlico Plus” project, was approved in 2024 and allocated $400 million in state bonds for the redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore and the construction of a new training facility at Shamrock Farm. However, recent developments have led to a strategic pivot towards enhancing Laurel Park’s facilities to better serve the state’s racing community.
What is Laurel Park, and why is it significant?
Laurel Park is a historic racetrack located in Laurel, Maryland. It has been a central hub for thoroughbred racing in the state and is now set to become the focal point of Maryland’s racing infrastructure redevelopment.
Key Features of the Revised Plan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Laurel Park Acquisition | The MSA plans to purchase Laurel Park to establish a comprehensive training facility for thoroughbred racing. |
| Shamrock Farm Abandonment | Plans to develop Shamrock Farm into a training center have been abandoned in favor of focusing on Laurel Park. |
| Cost Savings | The new strategy is projected to save approximately $50 million by avoiding the redevelopment costs associated with Shamrock Farm. |
| Focus on Laurel Park | The MSA is concentrating resources on enhancing Laurel Park’s facilities to better serve Maryland’s racing community. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
