The Maryland Million, which pioneered the concept of setting aside one day a year for races devoted strictly to state-sired runners, will have its 27th running at Laurel Park Oct. 6.
Now named the "Jim McKay Maryland Million Day" in honor of the sportscaster who conceived the Maryland Million, this year’s event will offer purses and awards of more than $1 million.
McKay envisioned a day of racing showcasing Maryland’s Thoroughbred industry after attending the inaugural Breeders’ Cup in 1984.
“Jim McKay was proud to call Maryland home, and he loved horse racing here”, said Cricket Goodall, executive director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and the Maryland Million. “Maryland Million Day was, and is, the ultimate showcase for those two passions.”