In the latest zig-zag of an almost decade of changes to the fate of Laurel Park, it’s now expected to be converted into a racehorse training facility after the Preakness returns to the renovated Pimlico, anticipated in 2027.

From the Maryland Stadium Authority’s press release on Wednesday this week:

The Maryland Stadium Authority announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with The Stronach Group to acquire Laurel Park for the purposes of redevelopment into a premier hub for thoroughbred training in Maryland.

With approximately 1,100 horse stalls available for use at Laurel Park, day-to-day racing and training operations will be consolidated at the new statewide training center, while the Pimlico Race Course will transition to a “ship-in” racing model where horses and trainers will travel from other facilities to the venue on racing days. The strategic pivot will save the State an estimated $26.3 million in construction costs toward hundreds of new stalls at Pimlico, support about 500 jobs in Laurel, and preserve roughly 1,000 parking spaces around the race course. Moreover, by concentrating all overnight racing staff at Laurel Park, the Maryland Jockey Club expects to save $2.5 million annually in operating expenses.

And an interesting factoid on the history of horses in Maryland:

Maryland’s equine ecosystem represents approximately $3 billion in economic activity and over 25 percent of all agricultural land statewide. With more horses per square mile than any other state, Maryland’s horse industry supports over 28,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in wages.

And don’t forget that this year: The 151st Preakness Stakes will run at Laurel Park on May 16, 2026!