Press Release:

Maryland 2025 Thoroughbred Racing Calendar Approved

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) today announced approval of the state’s Thoroughbred racing calendar for 2025, the first under a new leadership and organizational structure that is preserving and enhancing a historic and economically vibrant sport and industry.

The 2025 calendar includes 114 racing days at Laurel Park and 6 days at Pimlico Race Course, including the 150^th Preakness Stakes in its final running at Pimlico prior to a forward-looking rebuild and redevelopment of the Park Heights property to improve racing and boost community economic benefits. Seven racing days at the Maryland State Fairground in Timonium are also scheduled.

Developed in coordination with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) and the Maryland Breeders Association, the 2025 calendar has been streamlined from the prior year and is intended to create an enhanced Thoroughbred racing product. Approval was granted on Friday Nov. 15 by a vote of the MTROA.

“All stakeholders have come together to agree on a schedule that positions Thoroughbred racing for success and that recognizes the changes that are ahead,” said MTROA Chairman Greg Cross. “Oars are pulling in the same direction for the best and most sustainable product for racing afficionados and the industry. This cooperation and coordination gives me tremendous hope for the future of our industry.”

“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,” said Katharine M. Voss, President of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. “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.”

Under the 2025 calendar, racing will be suspended at Laurel Park in July and August, a period when Colonial Downs in Virginia will hold scheduled racing days.

“The Maryland Thoroughbred racing industry is developing a plan for Maryland breeder incentives to be offered when there is no live racing at Laurel, and the MTROA is supportive of that effort,” Cross said.

About the MTROA

The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority was established in 2023 to return the state of Maryland to a best-in-class location for Thoroughbred horse racing. The Authority is composed of appointees of the governor and legislative leaders and representatives of industry organizations, the Maryland Stadium Authority, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation and areas surrounding Pimlico, Laurel Park and the Bowie Race Course Training Center.

The MTROA is overseeing the rebuild of the Pimlico Race Course, and has managed the transition of the Maryland Jockey Club Inc., into a new non-profit organization that will manage and operate Thoroughbred horseracing in Maryland.

Maryland’s equine industry, which accounts for 25% of the state’s agricultural base, roughly 28,000 jobs, and $3 billion in total economic impact.