41st edition of “Maryland’s Day at the Races” presented by Brown Advisory
LAUREL, MD—The Jim McKay Maryland Million, presented by Brown Advisory and known as “Maryland’s Day at the Races,” will take place at Laurel Park on Saturday, October 24.
The 12-race program showcases the best Maryland-sired or -bred runners across divisions, headlined by the $150,000 Brown Advisory Maryland Million Classic for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles. Gates open at Laurel Park at 10 am, and the first post time is 11:15 am.
Maryland-sired horses receive first preference in the Maryland Million races. Maryland-bred horses that are not Maryland Million-eligible may participate in a Maryland Million race only if fewer than eight Maryland Million-eligible horses are entered.
Nominations are due by October 11.
The Maryland Million results often determine the year-end statewide championship. Other top races include:
$125,000 John Deere Maryland Million Turf for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles on turf.
$125,000 Maryland Million Ladies for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on turf.
$100,000 Glenangus Farm Maryland Million Lassie for 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs.
$100,000 Fair Hill Training Center Maryland Million Sprint for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs.
$100,000 1/ST BET Maryland Million Turf Sprint for 3-year-olds and up at 5 ½ furlongs on turf.
$100,000 Maryland Million Distaff for fillies and mares at seven furlongs.
$100,000 Maryland Million Nursery for 2-year-olds at six furlongs.
In addition, four starter handicaps are for Maryland-sired or -bred horses. Farmacy Brewing, The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Willow Oaks Farm, and Maryland Horse Fencing sponsor them.
The Maryland Jockey Club & Maryland Million Ltd. would also like to thank our additional sponsors:
Northview Stallion Station
Country Life Farm
Maryland Fence
Hess Equine Veterinary Services
Urgent Vet Care
Atlanta Hall Racing
All Maryland Million races will be broadcast on FanDuel.
The Jim McKay Maryland Million isn’t solely about thrilling racing action. A week of festivities builds up to the big event.
On Sunday, October 18, from 12 pm to 1 pm, the Maryland Million Draw Party will be held at the Laurel Park Sports Book. The event is free and open to the public. Watch the post-position draw, enjoy entertainment and snacks, and then stay for live racing.
Join us at Jimmy’s Seafood in Dundalk on Thursday, October 22, from 7 pm to 9 pm for a free Handicapping Party. Hosted by ESPN Louisville and the Horse Racing Happy Hour Podcast, the event will feature handicapping analysts sharing their picks for the twelve races.
The excitement continues on Friday, October 23, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm at the Jim McKay Maryland Million Kickoff Celebration at Citron Restaurant. Tickets are $83 each. Enjoy live music, great food, and plenty of opportunities to mingle. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Jim McKay Maryland Million is also about fun for the whole family. Meet and greet the Maryland Miniature Ponies at Horseland, watch exciting pony races featuring the next generation of Maryland jockeys, visit our face painters, and enjoy plenty of hands-on crafts and games.
Take part in the Maryland Million Handicapping Challenge, a one-day contest available both on-site and online. The event is held at Laurel Park or on Xpressbet, TVG/4NJBETS, HPIBET, and TwinSpires. The $800 buy-in includes a $400 entry fee and a $400 live bankroll. Cash prizes will be awarded, along with two seats to the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge and two NHC Prize Packs. Based on 120 entries, the total prize pool is $48,000. For registration and rules, visit here.
Named for the late Hall of Fame broadcaster and 13-time Emmy Award winner who launched the groundbreaking concept in 1986, the Jim McKay Maryland Million has become the state’s second-largest day on the racing calendar, behind only the Preakness Stakes card.
“Maryland’s Day at the Races” celebrates the stallions that stand in the state and honors its rich and diverse racing history, dating back to the founding of the Maryland Jockey Club in 1743 and spawning copycat events across the United States and Canada.
For more information on Maryland Million activities and the event schedule, visit here.