For the first time since 2019, Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Cecil County will welcome back horse racing.
The “Races at Fair Hill” on Aug. 30 will be hosted by the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland in partnership with the Cecil County Breeders Fair, and the event is sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and the Maryland Racing Commission.
The 1-mile turf track inside the Fair Hill Special Event Zone is scheduled to reopen after the completion of an infrastructure modernization project, which entailed the construction of a sand-based turf course of Kentucky bluegrass with a state-of-the-art irrigation system — the first course of its kind in the state.
Each fall, the Maryland 5 Star — a fixture in sport of eventing that includes dressage, cross-country and show jumping — takes place at Fair Hill, one of only two 5 Star events in the United States and one of seven worldwide. The 2024 Maryland 5 Star generated more than $15 million in direct spending for the state economy, more than $530,000 in local tax receipts and $23.5 million in total business sales in the state.
The horse industry is important to the state, supporting 22,000 direct jobs and driving $713 million in added value to the economy, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
“The historic investments we’re making to ensure the future of horse racing in Maryland are also promoting work, wages, and wealth in communities across the state,” Gov. Wes Moore said in a written statement. “At Fair Hill, we’ve completed track and venue upgrades to usher in a new era of turf track horse racing in Cecil County. Our multifaceted approach will support Maryland’s tourism and agricultural economies, promoting prosperity for years to come.”
Racing at Fair Hill last occurred in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic led to a pause for public events at the space.
“We’re excited to be part of bringing racing back to Cecil County,” said Jeff Newman, senior vice president of events for the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland. “The event on Saturday, August 30 will be a free, family-friendly open house, and we encourage everyone to come out and celebrate the return of live racing to Fair Hill over Labor Day weekend.”
Fair Hill is home to Cecil County Breeders, the National Steeplechase Association and Fair Hill International, a nonprofit organization that helps manage horse events at the site. The natural resource management area has also organized opportunities for youths and families, including the Cecil County Fair, 4-H programs and Pony Club activities.
“Cecil County has a long and storied history with racing at Fair Hill, a longtime community event and cherished tradition that we have missed since the last race event in 2019,” Cecil County Executive Adam Streight said. “We are excited that our partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Sports Commission brings horse racing back home, where it belongs.”
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