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LAUREL PARK
Racetrack Road & Route 198
Laurel, Maryland 20725
(301) 725-0400
http://www.laurelpark.com
Laurel Park Racing Dates
Spring Meet: January 1 – April 15
Summer Meet: August 11 – August 24
Fall Meet: September 9 – December 29
Racetrack Information
Main track (dirt): 1 1/18 mile, oval
Length of stretch from last turn to finish line: 1,344 feet
Width of backstretch: 75 feet
Width of stretch: 75 feet
Inner turf : 1 mile, oval
Length of stretch from last turn to finish line: 990 feet
Width of backstretch: 70 feet
Width of stretch: 70 feet
Turf course composition: Sandy loam, 65% turf type tall fescue, 25% turf type perennial ryegrass, 10% blue grass; grass height maintained at 4 inches during racing season
Track History and Fun Facts: Laurel Park commenced its inaugural race meet on October 2, 1911. In 1947, the Maryland Jockey Club, owners of Pimlico and Timonium Parks, purchased Laurel from the Butler estate, with the idea of shifting the Pimlico meeting to Laurel. When the state legislature did not approve the plan, the Maryland Jockey Club sold the track to Baltimore industrialist Morris Schapiro in 1950. The Schapiros revitalized Laurel. The track name was changed to Laurel Race Course, and the Washington, D.C. International, a race designed to bring together the world's best on grass was introduced. During the 1950s, the track underwent a series of improvements, including the addition of a new clubhouse and turf club, a remodeled grandstand, and a lengthening of its course. In December 1984, Frank J. De Francis and his partners, Robert and John "Tommy" Manfuso, purchased the track. One of their first projects was the creation of the Sports Palace in 1985. It was the first of its kind in horse racing. The $2-million facility was a bold innovation that combined the ambience of a plush casino with state-of-the-art technology that featured computerized handicapping, and a video racing library. In 1986, another $1 million was spent in additional improvements.
From 1994-2005, Laurel Park underwent a number of "buy ins" by various corporations, all appreciating the value and wealth of the track. The investment money also brought further innovations, including a massive $16-million multi-year renovation, which included the opening four premier clubhouse areas, and the widening and lengthening of the track.