Maryland Million - Getting Better Every Year

The Maryland Million is not just maintaining its status quo, but actually expanding.

The program will distribute a record $1.7 million in purses and nominator awards on this year's Maryland Million Day (Oct. 13 at Laurel Park).

In addition, nearly $1 million will be offered for Maryland Million eligible runners competing in other stakes at Maryland tracks throughout this year.

"It's no longer a one-day program," said Wayne Harrison, newly elected president of Maryland Million Ltd.

Purses for three Maryland Million Day events will rise in 2007 - the Classic (to $300,000) and the Ladies and Turf (to $200,000 each).

Pimlico's opening on April 21, will feature the Spring Festival of Racing, which for the third year in a row will offer an array of opportunities for Maryland Million-eligible runners: three stakes restricted to Maryland-breds or Maryland Million nominees, plus enhancements to the unrestricted Jim McKay Sprint and the state's major Triple Crown prep, the Federico Tesio Stakes.

In addition, Maryland Million-restricted stakes will be run on the undercard of both the Preakness and the Frank J. De Francis Dash.

Last but certainly not least, this year all of Laurel and Pimlico's unrestricted stakes with a purse of less than $100,000 offer purse enhancements for Maryland Million-eligible participants.

It's not all bad in Maryland!