Maryland horse racing stakeholders are “seeking to chart a path forward amid strong headwinds,” as the industry “struggles with waning interest and grave economic challenges,” according to Hayes Gardner of the BALTIMORE SUN. Equipped with $400M in state funds approved by the legislature in 2020 and a new proposal -- one that would “eventually consolidate racing at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, close Anne Arundel County’s Laurel Park and build a training track elsewhere in the state” -- the newly formed Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority “hopes this is the year the industry has a feasible plan.” But to complete that mission, advocates and legislators will “soon need to introduce and pass a bill -- and quickly,” before the General Assembly session ends next month. This racing quagmire was “supposed to already be resolved,” as the 2020 law envisioned improvements to both Pimlico and Laurel Park. But that blueprint “slowly unraveled after a series of problems.” Stakeholders hope that, “actually and at long last, they have the plan this time that changes Pimlico and the racing industry.” While no bill detailing racing changes has been introduced and only a month remains until the session concludes, “one is still expected.” A Jan. 2024 report from the authority suggested a "state-created, nonprofit operator take over racing in the state from The Stronach Group." Stronach will operate this year’s Preakness, but if the new plan goes into effect, it is “unknown which entity would operate it next year” -- the 150th edition of the race (BALTIMORE SUN, 3/11).
