The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved the $4.48 million purchase of the 328-acre Shamrock Farm in Carroll County to develop a state-of-the-art thoroughbred training center supporting expanded racing at Pimlico Race Course. This acquisition, backed by a $110 million state allocation and $1.5 million from Carroll County for infrastructure, aims to consolidate Maryland’s racing operations, preserve agricultural land, and boost the local economy. The planned facility will feature a one-mile dirt training track, barns, veterinary and administrative buildings, and housing for workers, accommodating over 800 horses.

Despite strong industry support highlighting the project as a historic investment in Maryland’s racing future, some local residents have expressed opposition to the training center development. Construction is expected to begin around 2026, aligning with the Pimlico Race Course redevelopment, but community pushback signals potential challenges ahead for the project’s implementation.