Welcome to the heart of American thoroughbred racing! The Maryland Horse Racing Schedule is a year-round spectacle of speed, tradition, and excitement, drawing fans from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a curious newcomer, Maryland offers an unparalleled equestrian experience. From the historic grounds of Pimlico to the bustling, modern facilities at Laurel Park, the state is a cornerstone of the sport. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to follow the action all year long. For a deeper dive into the venues themselves, you can explore the top horse racing tracks in maryland.
Maryland’s racing legacy is one of the oldest in the nation, steeped in a history that predates the United States itself. This tradition continues today with a packed calendar that ensures there’s almost always a live race to enjoy. The Maryland Jockey Club orchestrates the majority of the state’s thoroughbred racing, seamlessly transitioning between its two premier tracks, ensuring the pulse of the sport never fades.
Key Tracks on the Maryland Horse Racing Schedule
Understanding the schedule starts with knowing the key players. Two tracks form the backbone of the state’s racing circuit, each with its unique character and place in the sport’s history.
Laurel Park: The Heart of Year-Round Racing
Nestled between Baltimore and Washington D.C., Laurel Park is the workhorse of Maryland racing. It hosts the lion’s share of the state’s racing dates, with meets in the winter, spring, summer, and fall. The facility boasts a world-class 1 ⅛-mile dirt track and a one-mile turf course, offering a diverse range of races.
A typical week at Laurel Park features live racing from Friday through Sunday, with post times usually in the early afternoon. The track is renowned for its excellent stakes program, including major events like the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash and the Baltimore/Washington International Turf Cup. Its vibrant, modern atmosphere makes it a comfortable and exciting place to spend a day at the races, offering great dining options and fan-friendly amenities.
Pimlico Race Course: Home of a Legend
While Laurel Park handles the volume, Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore handles the history. Affectionately known as “Old Hilltop,” Pimlico is the second-oldest racetrack in the United States, having opened its gates in 1870. Its place in horse racing immortality was sealed when it became the home of the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
Pimlico’s racing meet is much shorter and more concentrated, typically running in the spring. This “Preakness Meet” is one of the most anticipated events on the national racing calendar, drawing the best three-year-old horses in the world. The entire racing world turns its attention to Baltimore for this historic event, making it a bucket-list destination for any sports fan.
The Crown Jewel: The Preakness Stakes
You can’t discuss the Maryland horse racing schedule without shining a spotlight on the Preakness Stakes. Held on the third Saturday in May, this iconic race is more than just a competition; it’s a statewide celebration. The week leading up to the Preakness is filled with events, from the Alibi Breakfast for horse connections to the incredible InfieldFest concert series.
The race itself, run at a distance of 1 3/16 miles, is a true test of a champion’s speed and stamina. Winning the Preakness is a monumental achievement that puts a horse one step away from the coveted Triple Crown. The atmosphere at Pimlico on race day is electric, a unique blend of high society and festive revelry. It’s a cornerstone of the upcoming horse racing events 2025 that fans eagerly anticipate.
As noted racing historian Dr. Charles “Chuck” Kensington puts it, “The Preakness is not just a horse race; it’s Baltimore’s annual gift to the sporting world. The history you feel when you walk through those gates is palpable. It’s where legends are made.”
How to Read the Racing Schedule
Navigating the schedule can seem daunting at first, but it’s quite simple once you know the terminology.
- Post Time: This is the scheduled start time for a race. The first post of the day is typically around 12:25 PM or 12:40 PM ET.
- Dark Days: These are the days when a track does not have live racing. For Laurel Park, this is usually Monday through Thursday.
- Stakes Race: A high-level race featuring the best horses competing for a larger purse and prestige. These are the main events on any race card.
- Meet: A block of racing dates at a specific track, such as the “Spring Meet at Laurel Park” or the “Preakness Meet at Pimlico.”
- Turf/Dirt: The schedule will indicate whether a race is being run on the grass (turf) or the main track (dirt).
Always check the official Maryland Jockey Club website or your preferred racing resource for the most up-to-date schedule, as post times and race days can occasionally change due to weather or other factors.
Planning Your Visit to a Maryland Race Track
A day at the races is a fantastic outing. Here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Tickets: For most race days at Laurel Park, general admission is free. However, for major event days like the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico, you’ll need to purchase tickets well in advance.
- What to Wear: The dress code varies. The clubhouse often has a stricter dress code (business casual), while the grandstand is more relaxed. For the Preakness, you’ll see everything from casual wear in the infield to elaborate suits and dresses in the premium seating areas.
- Betting: Don’t be intimidated! You can bet as little as $1 or $2 on a race. The program provides information on each horse, and there are betting windows with helpful tellers who can guide you through placing your first wager.
- Family Fun: Many tracks offer family-friendly activities, especially on weekends. It’s a great way to introduce a new generation to the “Sport of Kings.”
Beyond the Big Tracks: Fair Hill and Timonium
While Pimlico and Laurel dominate the thoroughbred scene, two other venues add unique flavor to the Maryland horse racing schedule. The Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium hosts a short but popular meet during the State Fair in late August and early September. It offers a nostalgic, fair-like atmosphere. Additionally, Fair Hill in the rolling hills of northeastern Maryland is a premier location for steeplechase racing, a thrilling discipline where horses also navigate jumps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the biggest horse race in Maryland?
The biggest and most famous horse race is unequivocally the Preakness Stakes. Held annually at Pimlico Race Course, it is the second leg of the prestigious Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.
Which Maryland track races year-round?
Laurel Park is the primary venue for year-round horse racing in Maryland. It hosts several extended meets throughout the winter, spring, summer, and fall, making it the central hub for the state’s racing activities.
When is the 2025 Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes is traditionally held on the third Saturday in May. While you should always confirm the official date, you can expect it to fall around that time each year, drawing national attention to Baltimore.
Can you bet on horse races online in Maryland?
Yes, online and mobile wagering on horse races, known as advance-deposit wagering (ADW), is legal in Maryland. Several popular platforms allow you to bet on races from Pimlico, Laurel Park, and tracks across the world.
Are kids allowed at Maryland horse racing tracks?
Yes, children are generally welcome at Maryland’s racetracks, and admission for them is often free. Tracks are family-friendly environments, especially in the grandstand areas, making for a great family day out.
Conclusion
The Maryland horse racing schedule offers a rich and continuous tapestry of thrilling competition and timeless tradition. From the daily excitement at Laurel Park to the historic grandeur of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico, there is always a reason to engage with this incredible sport in the Old Line State. It’s a world of grace, power, and history waiting to be discovered. So grab a program, pick a favorite, and get ready to hear the thundering hooves—the next great champion is just around the bend.
