March/April 2025 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN March/April 2025 Page 61 Maryland’s $400 Million Plan to Reenergize Racing Takes Shape 800 stalls, a mile-dirt oval track, like Pimlico’s, expansive turnout, a veterinary hospital and housing for 75 workers. Alan Foreman, general counsel for the MTROA, said the selection of Shamrock Farm is a “pivotal step forward for Mary- land’s racing community, part of the multi-billion horse industry in the state. “Located in the heart of Car- roll County, Shamrock Farm pro- vides horsemen with a convenient and accessible training facility, close to many of their current operations,” he said. “This prox- imity will ease travel burdens and ensure trainers, horses, and their teams have the resources they need to thrive. Paired with the revitalization of Pimlico, this decision demonstrates our com- mitment to collaborating with the state of Maryland to strengthen the infrastructure and sustainabil- ity of our historic racing indus- try.” The Pimlico Plus plan calls for renovation to begin of the clubhouse and track at Pimlico this year, with the 150th running of the Preakness scheduled for Pimlico in 2025, before racing shifts to Laurel Park in 2026. Training is expected to move to Shamrock Farm when Laurel Park closes in 2027. “Shamrock is a beautiful farm in the center of the state,” said Kimberly Egan, president of the Maryland Horse Council. Egan cited the access to Balti- more, 20 minutes away, and to Interstate 70, connecting Balti- more and Lexington, Kentucky, home to Churchill Downs and many of the top breeding farms. “We want to make sure the Preakness stays in Maryland,” she said. “We certainly want the Maryland racing industry to succeed, redeveloping the historic track and the training center is a good way to do that.” Egan said she envisions the training center holding open houses one day to give the public a chance to experience racing up close. “They could watch horses breeze,” she said. “We could introduce a whole new generation of racing fans that we might not have if all the assets stayed in Baltimore.” (Continued from page 60) Like what you see? Subscribe today to East Coast Equestrian!