Laurel Park - Laurel, MD - Horse Racing Tracks on Waymarking.com

According to Wikipedia: "Laurel Park is an American thoroughbred racetrack in Laurel, Maryland which opened in 1911. Its name was changed to "Laurel Race Course" for several decades until returning to the "Laurel Park" designation in 1994. Repeated renovations have marked the course's nearly 100 years of operation, though Maryland's horse racing industry is flagging. Slot machines are seen as a possible revenue source to keep the course in operation."

HISTORY

"Laurel Park Racecourse opened October 2, 1911 under the direction of the Laurel Four County Fair. In 1914, New York businessmen and prominent horsemen, Philip J. Dwyer and James Butler purchased the track and appointed Matt Winn as its promoter and manager. In 1947, the Maryland Jockey Club, which owned Timonium and Pimlico, purchased Laurel Park. After the Maryland General Assembly rejected the idea of replacing Pimlico with Laurel Park, the track was sold to Morris Schapiro who had his son, John D. Schapiro, manage it."

"The track was originally founded by James Laurel Jr. From 1947 to 1984, Laurel Park underwent a period of great change. The track was renamed Laurel Race Course and the Washington, D.C. International was introduced at 1½ miles on the turf. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the track was renovated extensively. In addition, it was awarded summer racing dates. In 1984, the track was sold to Frank J. DeFrancis and several business partners."

"Laurel Park Racecourse was updated again with introduction of a 'Sports Palace' facility, renovation of the clubhouse, and exterior improvements. In August 1989, Frank DeFrancis died and his son, Joe DeFrancis, began managing the track. In 1994 the track's name returned to "Laurel Park". Yet more improvements included those to the main entrance, Grandstand interior and backstretch barns."

"In 1998 Leucadia National Corporation acquired a significant interest in the Pimlico and Laurel tracks. A new backstretch housing facility followed, along with the opening of four clubhouse areas. Magna Entertainment Corp. bought majority control of the Maryland Jockey Club in 2002 and began another renovation of Laurel Park's track and facility in 2004 with a nearly seven-month closure of Laurel Park's backstretch and racing surfaces for widening, extension and restoration of the dirt surface."

Types of Races: Thoroughbred Racing Season: From: 01/01/2008 To: 12/31/2008 Year Opened: 10/02/1911 Famous Races: The following stakes races are run at Laurel Park : * Grade 1 – Frank J. DeFrancis Memorial Dash Stakes * Grade 2 – Barbara Fritchie Handicap * Grade 2 – General George Handicap * Listed Race – Laurel Futurity * Listed Race – Selima Stakes * Miracle Wood Stakes The track also runs numerous ungraded stakes and overnight handicaps, for example the Private Terms Stakes. Additional Information: Hours of Operation - Doors open at 11:30AM unless otherwise stated. We close at approximately 8:30PM on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. We close at 12 midnight on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We close at 1:00AM Fridays. We close at 12:30AM Saturdays. Days and hours of operation are subject to change. Racecourse Web Site: [Web Link]

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