Fans enjoy the new TVs and modified clubhouse layout at Laurel. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Jockey Club.
Nutshell: The Maryland Jockey Club announced Tuesday that approximately $7 million in improvements at Laurel Park could be completed within the next month.
From a Maryland Jockey Club release
The Maryland Jockey Club announced today that approximately $7 million in improvements at Laurel Park – including new barns for 300 horses and a new washroom – could be completed within the next month.
Despite record low temperatures during the months of February and March, one of two 150-stall barns should be completed by the first week of April, according to Maryland Jockey Club General Manager Sal Sinatra.
Along with the two new barns on the backstretch, there will also be a new wash building with new lavatories for men and women and 20 wash stalls outside the building. The Maryland Jockey Club is also installing a new surveillance system on the front and backside of the track. More than 150 new flat screen televisions and projection systems have also been installed.
“The Maryland Jockey Club and The Stronach Group is committed to Thoroughbred racing in Maryland,” Sinatra said. “There will be new accommodations for 300 horses at Laurel come this spring and summer and we continue trying to improve the live and simulcasting experience at Laurel with new televisions and improvements to the first floor as well as Tycoons and Tips Restaurant.
“We believe there is tremendous growth at Laurel Park and in the Thoroughbred industry in Maryland. We will continue to make improvements over the new few months at Laurel and Pimlico Race Course.”
Tim Keefe, president of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, said: “It’s all been positive stuff here. There’s been a lot of updating. There’s a lot of new televisions, projectors…even little things like carpeting. It shows the customer we are thinking of them and the little things add up. The barns look great, they’re slightly modified from the ones at Gulfstream, and I think we’re heading in a good direction.”
