Horse Racing - Laurel Park - Arabian Breed Racing Authorization

Laurel and Pimlico gain limited Arabian races

Beginning April 28, 2026, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course licensees can hold live Arabian horse races. Each race needs Maryland State Racing Commission approval. Horses must be purebred Arabians with a valid Arabian Jockey Club of America registry certificate. Each licensee can hold no more than one Arabian race per day and three per race meet. These races must be added to existing thoroughbred races, without replacing any or reducing the daily number. The licensee or race sponsor must fund the prize money, not the thoroughbred purse account. Rules for money withheld from bets apply, and licensees must pay the same taxes and fees as for thoroughbred races.