March/April 2025 Issue

Page 60 March/April 2025 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN See page 78 for details. Not a print subscriber? Join the ongoing mailing list for just $20. FREE Classifieds for print subscribers! Shamrock Farm, the thoroughbred breeding farm founded in 1948 by Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney, was selected as the future site of a new year-round training center, part of a plan to revitalize Maryland racing. At press time the sale of the farm had not been finalized. Photo credit: Shamrock Farm Maryland’s $400 Million Plan to Reenergize Racing Takes Shape By Amy Worden A historic thoroughbred breeding farm outside Baltimore was selected as the future site of a new year-round training center, part of a $400 million plan to pre- serve and reenergize horse racing in the state of Maryland. The announcement of the selection of Shamrock Farm by the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority late last year, solidified a key component of a sweeping plan to restore the storied Pimlico Racetrack, home to the Preak- ness Stakes. “Our goal is to design and build one of the great equine training centers in the world,” said Gregory A. Cross, chair- man of the MTROA, which was formed in 2023 to ensure the future of thoroughbred racing in the state. “A rigorous exam- ination of many locations in the region showed that this site provides the best combination of size, cost and construction approval process. The collabora- tive decision to build at Sham- rock Farm included input from Maryland’s horsemen and other key stakeholders. This project truly continues the path for our racing industry to thrive.” Shamrock Farm, in Wood- bine, Carroll County was founded by Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney in 1948 and has remained a thoroughbred breeding farm, is now owned by the Rooney fam- ily. Thomas Rooney is president and CEO of the National Thor- oughbred Racing Association. Under the multi-year plan, the state would acquire a 300- acre parcel to build a state-of- the-art training facility, including (Continued on page 61)