Flat and steeplechase programs with nationwide wagering on Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25
LAUREL, MD—The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC), in partnership with the National Steeplechase Association (NSA), Cecil County, the Cecil County Breeders’ Fair, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Fair Hill Foundation, and the Maryland Racing Commission (MRC), is excited to host the “Fair Hill Turf Showcase” at historic and scenic Fair Hill in Elkton, Maryland, on Sunday, May 24, and Memorial Day Monday, May 25. This event marks the first time live racing at Fair Hill occurs under the new TMJC’s auspices.
“We look forward to working with all our Maryland partners, as The Maryland Jockey Club showcases flat and steeplechase racing in northern Maryland,” said Bill Knauf, President and General Manager of TMJC. “Fair Hill has a great tradition of racing, and this is a strong step as we develop our racing calendar now and for the future.”
Flat racing will be held on the all-turf course on Sunday, while the Memorial Day program will be exclusive to steeplechase events, pending approval from the MRC.
“We’re excited to build on last year’s successful return of the Fair Hill Races to Cecil County by partnering with state government and the racing industry to expand this Memorial Day tradition into a historic two-day event,” said Cecil County Executive Adam Streight. “I want to thank the Maryland Jockey Club for working with my administration to get this done, with a shared vision of multiple annual racing events through Labor Day in the future.”
Fair Hill has a rich history that began when William du Pont Jr. bought about 8,000 acres primarily for his powerful Foxcatcher Farm and racing stable, which produced Dauber, the winner of the 1938 Preakness Stakes.
“Racing makes a triumphant return to Cecil County,” said Cecil County Delegate Kevin Hornberger, a Director of the Cecil County Breeders’ Fair. “Nicknamed America’s Aintree, The Races at Fair Hill will serve as the gold standard for flat and jump racing, worldwide. We invite you to join us for this momentous occasion.”
Fair Hill held its first racing event in 1934 with the Foxcatcher National Cup over fences. For nearly 90 years, Fair Hill hosted live steeplechase racing on Memorial Day weekend. Due to track renovations and the COVID-19 pandemic, live racing was suspended after the 2019 meeting but returned to Fair Hill last year for a one-day event on Saturday, August 30.
“The National Steeplechase Association and its strong following of horsemen and fans are grateful to the Maryland Jockey Club for hosting the event, and excited about the return, after a long hiatus, of this historic Maryland steeplechase tradition,” said Bill Gallo, Director of Racing for the NSA. “This will be a perfect finale, with a mixture of hurdle, timber, and flat races, to close out our spring racing season on Memorial Day,” he added.
Parimutuel wagering will be available onsite and nationwide through ADW wagering accounts under the “Laurel at Fair Hill” name.
Ticketing and hospitality information will be announced soon. For sponsorship opportunities, please inquire here.
