Laurel Park readies for 31st Maryland Million
From a Maryland Jockey Club release
Full fields and large crowds are expected when Maryland celebrates more than two and a half centuries of thoroughbred breeding and racing with the 31st annual Jim McKay Maryland Million Saturday, Oct. 22 at Laurel Park.
Nine stakes, led by the $150,000 Classic for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles, are among 11 races that comprise the Maryland Million Day program, four of which will be contested over Laurel’s world-class turf course.
The action will begin with a special first-race post time of 12:15 p.m.
‘Maryland’s Day at the Races,’ the second-biggest day on the state’s racing calendar behind the Preakness Stakes (G1), attracted a total of 185 stakes nominations including four defending champions and six other previous Maryland Million winners.
Entries for all 11 Maryland Million races are due Wednesday, Oct. 19 and a formal post-position draw will be held starting at 4 p.m. inside TIPS, Laurel’s casual trackside restaurant located on the first floor clubhouse.
On Friday, Oct. 21, the Maryland Club in Baltimore plays host to the annual Maryland Million Gala which begins at 6:30 p.m. and features live and silent auctions as well as individual and stallion raffle tickets. Admission to the Gala is $100, and all tickets can be purchased at www.marylandmillion.com.
Marylandia returns to Laurel’s Paddock Park from noon to 6:30 p.m. on Maryland Million Day. Tickets are $20 and include a gift bag, live racing program, $2 betting voucher and three drink tickets for beer, wine or liquor along with various food trucks, cigar and oyster stations, cornhole and a DJ providing music. Tickets can be purchased at the event or http://www.ticketfly.com/event/1310315-marylandia-maryland-million-laurel/.
Free activities for kids are available throughout Maryland Million Day in the Kids Korral located on the track apron, with on-track demonstrations, entertainers, trick riders and pony races being held between races.
General admission is free on Maryland Million Day. A commemorative hat will be given away with the purchase of a live racing program.
Laurel has continued refurbishing its facility and fans will be welcomed by a redesigned second floor with a new bar, box suites and lounge overlooking the track, as well as a refurbished Ruffian Room.
