Laurel Park Racetrack History

Laurel Park was inaugurated on October 2, 1911 under the name Laurel Four County Fair. The Maryland Jockey Club bought this racing track in 1947 and christened it. Laurel had its new clubhouse and turf club in 1953, with the grandstand being remodeled in 1957. To accommodate winter racing, the clubhouse and the grandstand were restructured in 1966. Inter-track wagering was introduced in 1988, with the main entrance, the Grandstand interior and the backstretch barns renovated in 1997. LUK-FLATS, LLC, a Leucadia National Corporation subsidiary purchased a substantial stake in the Laurel racetrack. The Laurel Park backstretch and racing surfaces have been revamped in 2004-2005.