Laurel Park to host Voices of Laurel, including a named race, on October 26
The Voices of Laurel staff is proud to announce a special event being held in our honor at Laurel Park on Saturday, October 26th. Come enjoy drinks and thoroughbred racing, mingle with The Laurel History Boys and other Laurelites, and cheer on your favorite horse in a special race named for Voices of Laurel!
The Maryland Jockey Club, operators of Laurel Park, has put together a fun, FREE day for Voices of Laurel and 200 of our readers. We will enjoy the races in a reserved area of the grandstand, where each person will receive a complimentary race day program and a $2.00 betting voucher. The Maryland Jockey Club will even buy the first round of drinks for the Voices of Laurel group. Time and weather permitting, they will also provide a brief behind-the-scenes tour of the paddock area for our group.
If you would like to join us at this exciting, FREE event, please RSVP here. We need an accurate headcount to ensure the best possible experience for everyone, and space is limited, so don’t miss out!
Some Background
Since 1911 Laurel Park has been synonymous with the City of Laurel. Its history is rich with famous horses competing in internationally known races. For instance, Triple Crown winners Sir Barton, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Secretariat, and Affirmed all won races at Laurel Park during their Hall of Fame careers. Seabiscuit won at Laurel and Riva Ridge and Spectacular Bid also raced there.
For decades, Laurel Park was home to the annual Washington, DC International, the first race in the country to feature the finest horses from around the world. The Maryland Million, created by broadcaster Jim McKay to promote the Maryland breeding industry, debuted at Laurel Park in 1986 and is still running strong. This year’s Maryland Million will be run on October 12th.
Many people in the Laurel area identify with the racetrack but have never actually attended the races. Now is the time to enjoy this storied venue!
There has been much speculation about the uncertain future of Laurel Park. Pimlico Race Course was turned over to the State of Maryland, which is now overseeing redevelopment and plans to shift all racing to the historic Baltimore track when complete. While Pimlico is undergoing renovations, the Preakness will be run at Laurel in 2026. But after Pimlico’s completion, Laurel Park will likely cease to be a horse-related venue.
Live thoroughbred racing is truly something to behold, and at Laurel Park, you can literally stand at the rail just feet away from the action—whether you’re betting on the races or not. There’s also no parking or admission fees at the race track.
Come be a part of local history!
The Voices of Laurel Day at the Races on October 26th is your chance to experience the richness of Laurel Park’s unique place in Maryland’s horseracing history firsthand. Celebrate this landmark with those who most appreciate what it means to Laurel. And don’t miss the running of our very own Voices of Laurel race!
This issue of Voices of Laurel features an added focus on Laurel Park and its history. The Laurel History Boys and Voices of Laurel team will be at the Maryland Million on October 12th as well—if you have any stories, photos, or memorabilia from Laurel Park to share, please stop by. We will have a booth set up on both days. Laurel Park’s Guest Services can direct you to us if you have any difficulty finding our group. We look forward to seeing you there and spending a wonderful afternoon at the races!
It's a shame that the Stronach Group tried to use Laurel to destroy Pimlico.