Maryland Million Turns 30, in time to showcase the new Laurel

Introduced in 1986, the Maryland Million, a program of races restricted to the offspring of Maryland-based stallions, has been duplicated by more than 20 other states. Maryland-sired thoroughbreds are nominated before they become 2-year-olds and remain eligible for life to run in the Maryland Million races. After twenty-nine runnings, more than 225 different stallions have been represented in Maryland Million races.

Thanks to Jim McKay’s love of his home state and thoroughbred horse racing, Maryland breeders have one day a year that they can stand proud and potentially pick up a few new clients. McKay originally proposed the concept and remained Chairman of the Board until his death five years ago. Twenty-two times attendance figures have topped 20,000 for the event, this year should as well.

To celebrate the 30th year of Maryland Million Day on Saturday October 17th at Laurel Park, Grandstand & Clubhouse General Admission will be FREE! As an added bonus, patrons who purchase a live race day program will receive a FREE souvenir Jim McKay Maryland Million Day cap. Fans will see several new events including Marylandia, featuring food trucks, live entertainment, and Flying Dog craft beers and cider.

Post Time on Saturday will be 12:15pm EDT. Not only will the Maryland Jockey Club showcase $1 million in purses but the $7 million in front side improvements and $7 million to backside improvements to the Laurel Park facility as well. “It’s been exciting to see people’s reaction to the improvements throughout the facility,” said Maryland Jockey Club President and GM Sal Sinatra. “The reaction from the public and horsemen has been nothing but positive. We’re looking forward to showcasing the facility this weekend.”

Front side improvements include hardwood floors, upgraded interior design, a new dining area called the Garden Terrace (shown above), and a “Silks”, the new simulcast center that features a 17 ½-foot high definition television, dozens of flat-screen televisions, new carrels, a Bose sound system and mobile app that allows fans to listen to their favorite track on their mobile device.

The backside improvements at Laurel Park include the second of two new state-of-the-art barns is under construction and is scheduled to be completed by November.


Allow improved is the handle thanks to the quality and quantity of the fields on live race cards Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The introduction of the rolling Super-High 5 (15% takeout) along with an industry low 12% takeout on the 50 cent Pick-5 to supplement the 10 cent Rainbow Pick-6 has caught the attention of horseplayers across the country. “The rolling Super-High 5 has seemed to catch on (with bettors), especially when it carries over to the next race… the pool, snowballs.”, said Sinatra with a big smile.


That’s right my horse racing friends who have always looked down on Maryland racing as a minor league. This isn’t your father’s Laurel Park… its way better.        


Check out the program for Saturday and the plethora of exotic wagers HERE. And yes, Ben’s Cat will be making his 6th start in a Maryland Million race, the Sprint this year.