Event Policies

For August 30, 2025, there will be no cost or purchase necessary for admission onto the grounds of the Fair Hill Special Event Zone (“Venue”). However, by entering the Venue and the controlled area, each individual (“You”) is subject and agrees as follows:

Admission is a revocable license (“License”) to attend the event (“Event” or “Races”) , and may be revoked at any time for any reason. The promoter and sponsoring organization (“Promoter”) of the Event retains outright ownership of Admission. Admission is being temporarily provided to You on his/her own behalf and on behalf of any minor being accompanied to the Event (“Minors”) to merely serve as evidence of the existence of the License. By accepting Admission and/or entering the grounds of the Event, You and on behalf of any Minors agree to the terms and conditions contained herein. 

Race conditions and fields, times, and schedules subject to change at the discretion of management/Promoter or due to injury or other unforeseen circumstances.  NO MAKE UP date or future Admission will provided should there be a cancellation of the Event at the Promoter and/or Venue operator’s sole discretion. Further, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to revoke License granted and refuse admission or eject any person (a) who violates the terms of the License; (b) who appears to be or is intoxicated; (c) whose conduct is deemed by it to be improper, disorderly or unbecoming; (d) who uses vulgar, derogatory or abusive language; or (e) who, in the sole judgment of the Promoter, is engaging in activity or causing a disturbance prohibiting attendees at the Event from enjoying the Event. In such event, Promoter may also permanently ban any such individual from future Events and/or any other events managed and/or conducted by Promoter or its affiliated entities.

You and on behalf of any Minors may not produce any Ticket that may be sold or resold or offered for resale in a manner or at a price in violation of any Federal, State, or local law or regulation. SALE OF ANY TICKET OR RESALE OF A TICKET IS ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED.  The Promoter reserves the right to prohibit any protests, demonstrations or vigils of any nature on its premises during the Event. You and on behalf of any Minors grants permission to Promoter (and its designees and assignees), without paying any compensation to You or any Minors or other individual or entity, the worldwide right to utilize your image, likeness, name, voice, comments and/or other proprietary or public rights and/or those of Minor(s) in any live or recorded broadcast, telecast, photograph, video, audio, audiovisual and/or other recording taken in connection with or incidental to the Event or other transmission, distribution, public performance, or reproduction in whole or in part of the Event, for all purposes, worldwide, in perpetuity, and in any and all media now or hereafter known, without compensation. The rights granted herein are assignable.  You and on behalf of any Minor agrees not to transmit or facilitate transmission of any account, description, picture or reproduction of the Event without the specific advance written permission of the Promoter.   

You and on behalf of any Minors are subject to the rules and policies of the Promoter and the Released Parties (as defined herein), and You and on behalf of any Minors (i) consent to allowing the Promoter or its designated agents to inspect Your and/or Minor(s)’ person and/or any bags, clothing, or other articles for security purposes, whether by walk-through metal detection, handheld metal detection, bag checks or otherwise, and (ii) acknowledges and agrees that You and/or Minor(s) may be denied entry to or ejected from the Event if You and/or Minor(s) is/are in possession of any item or object that the Promoter considers potentially dangerous, hazardous, inappropriate and/or injurious to other patrons, and any prohibited items may be confiscated. You and on behalf of any Minors consent to security searches and/or screening of You and/or Minor(s); and You and on behalf of any Minors waive any claims that You and/or Minor(s) might have against the Released Parties. You and on behalf of any Minors acknowledge that the Promoter has no liability for You and/or Minor(s)’ person or property.  

You and on behalf of any Minors agrees not to seek autographs of jockeys/trainers/owners in order to sell such autographs, and You and on behalf of any Minors shall not pay another person to obtain an autograph for You or on behalf of any Minors.   You and on behalf of any Minors  agrees not to transmit or aid in transmitting any description, account, picture or reproduction of the Event in any media whether known or unknown. Photography or reproduction of any kind of the Event in any manner is strictly prohibited.  

You and on behalf of any Minors agrees to follow all rules and regulations of the Event, and such rules and regulations are subject to change at any time by the Promoter. Promoter reserves the right to revoke this License, and cancel all privileges associated thereto. It is unlawful to produce or reproduce any Ticket.  

You and on behalf of any Minors recognizes that attendance by You and Minor(s) at the Event is voluntary and may result in personal injury (including death) and/or property damage and agrees to stay alert and remain aware of his/her surroundings and the surroundings of Minor(s). By attending, observing or participating in the Event, You and on behalf of any Minors acknowledge and assume all risks and dangers incidental to the Event (and/or connected to the Event whatsoever) associated with You and/or Minor(s) (i) being a spectator before, during, and after the Event (including but not limited to all warm-ups, practices, pre-races/competition, post-races/competition and promotions) and/or (ii) attending, observing or participating in the Event, in each case, whether any such risk or danger occurs prior to, during or subsequent thereto including any acts, omissions, incidents or accidents associated with any third party or the negligence or misconduct of other spectators.  These assumed risks include all risks associated and/or connected with attending an equine event, as well as any and all risks associated with an entertainment event, generally. 

You and on behalf of any Minors agree that (a) the Promoter (b) the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (c) Cecil County Breeders Fair, (d) each Governing Body or Federation (e) any other local or state governmental body associated with the facility, Venue or the Event and (e) all athletes / jockeys participating in the Event and (d) all past, present and future parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, assigns, employees, partners, members, directors, officers, owners, agents, representatives and independent contractors of such entities (subsections (a) through (d), collectively, the “Released Parties“), will not be responsible for any personal injury (including death), property damage, or other loss suffered as a result of Your and/or Minor(s)’ participation in, attendance at, and/or observation of the Event and/or the negligence of any of the Released Parties (collectively, the “Released Claims“). You and on behalf of any Minors hereby release, forever discharge, and covenant not to sue the Released Parties from and against any and all Released Claims and/or any other claims which You and/or Minor(s) have or may have for invasion of privacy, defamation, violation of any right of publicity, right of privacy or any other cause of action arising out of the production, reproduction, distribution, transmission, publication, public performance, broadcast or exhibition of advertisements, promotions, content, programs and/or materials in which recordings or photographs of You or Minor(s) from the Event appear. 

BY ATTENDING AND/OR PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT,  YOU, ON YOUR OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF MINOR(S), ARE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN A FULL RELEASE OF LIABILITY TO THE RELEASED PARTIES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

IF MINOR(S) IS/ARE ACCOMPANYING YOU TO THE EVENT, YOU ARE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN ALL OF THE FOREGOING GRANTS OF RIGHTS, RELEASES AND WAIVERS ON BEHALF OF SUCH MINOR(S) AS THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN OR AS THE AUTHORIZED AGENT OF THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO OR IS NOT AUTHORIZED TO GRANT SUCH RIGHTS, RELEASES AND WAIVERS ON BEHALF OF THE ACCOMPANIED MINOR(S), YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY LEAVE THE EVENT WITH THE MINOR(S).

You and on behalf of any Minors will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all demands, suits, claims, costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses), expenses and liability arising out of, incidental to or related in any way to (i) You/Your and/or Minor(s)’ attendance at, observation of, and/or participation in the Event, (ii) You/Your and/or Minor(s)’ acts or omissions, or (iii) You/Your breach of any of the terms, conditions or representations made in the License.

Seating is available around the venue on the lawn and in the grandstands and box area, first come first serve. 

Box seats available first come first serve. 

You shall maintain a safe distance from all pedestrians, horses and other vehicles at all times and stay within all designated speed limits and/or as directed by parking staff and traffic officers. Parking staff, traffic officers and/or event officials reserve the right to implement any additional safety measures deemed necessary.

You may not display commercial signage and/or commercial markings on or around the vehicle in designated parking areas. You may not enter the parking area for any commercial or trade purposes (including, without limitation, advertising, promotions, contests, sweepstakes and/or giveaways). You may not tailgate or drink alcoholic beverages in the parking lots.

Please remove personal property, lock the vehicle and take your keys. Exit the property upon completion of the day of competition. We/the event, or the venue are not responsible for personal property or any loss of or damage to the vehicle; this is not a bailment.

General Parking is free. We/the Event, and the venue reserves the right to revoke parking access. 

All guests may be subject to a search of their person and possessions prior to entering the venue.

All permissible bags, per the policy of the event, will be permitted into the venue but may be subject to inspection by a security representative. Guests should be prepared to open their bags for inspection and may be asked by a security representative to shift and possibly remove the contents.

All guests entering the venue may have their bag searched and/or be screened with a hand-held metal detector to search for prohibited items.

Unattended Bags: Please be conscious of your bags at all times and do not leave them unattended. Any unattended bags will be removed at the discretion of Event Officials.

Horses Always Have the Right of Way – BE ALERT to ensure that you do not interfere with the horses in the paddock or on course. Use caution when you are walking around the event grounds, particularly between the track and the paddock.

Crowd Control and Safety – For your own safety, as well as the safety of the competitors, please pay attention to all crowd-control measures. Stay behind any marked barriers or ropes. You may cross the course at designated points but be sure a horse is not coming and cross as quickly as possible. Crossing Guards are official personnel—respond to and obey their instructions. However, do not hesitate to ask them questions about the cross-country phase. They will be happy to help you!

Event organizers and their partners may use images/photos taken by their staff/contracted photographers, or event attendees for promotional purposes (advertising, media, print, editorial, event/sponsor promotion) without participant/visitor notification or compensation.

No dogs are allowed on site, except for assistance dogs

Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all indoor and seating sections, competition areas, hospitality areas, seating areas, stable areas and retail vendor areas.

Drones are not permitted in any area of the event at any time. Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within the boundaries of the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area (FHNRMA) is prohibited. Event Organizers reserve the right to operate drones for the purpose of capturing video of the competition, attendees, and other event components as deemed necessary.

Golf Carts, Off-Road Vehicles, ATVs and Motorized Bikes may NOT be brought onto the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area by spectators, nor are they available for rent.

Attendee acknowledges and assumes all risks and dangers incidental to the Event (and/or connected to the Event whatsoever) associated with Attendee and/or Minor(s) (i) being a spectator before, during, and after the Event (including but not limited to all warm-ups, practices, pre-competition, post-competition and promotions) and/or (ii) attending, observing or participating in the Event, in each case, whether any such risk or danger occurs prior to, during or subsequent thereto including any acts, omissions, incidents or accidents associated with any third party or the negligence or misconduct of other spectators. These assumed risks include all risks associated and/or connected with attending an equine event, as well as any and all risks associated with an entertainment event, generally.

In addition to the details listed in the Assumption of Risk section above and in the Terms & Conditions for Event Entry, I acknowledge and understand the following:

Health and safety regulations will be in accordance with the State of Maryland and the Department of Natural Resources. In order to provide a safe environment for all fans, Event Security reserves the rights to implement any health, safety and security measures it deems necessary. Unruly and/or suspicious behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances and will warrant removal from the grounds by Event Officials. In such an event, Event Officials/ Organizers may also permanently ban any such individual from future Events and/ or any other events managed and/ or conducted by the Organizer or its affiliated entities. Please report any unruly and/or suspicious behavior or security issues to the nearest volunteer, staff member and/or security officials to handle accordingly. In the event of injury, attendees should ask for directions and report to the nearest First Aid Station on the Event grounds.

Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including but not limited to COVID-19 (as detailed below). While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist; I knowingly and freely assume all such risks related to illness and infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, even if arising from the negligence or fault of the Released Parties; COVID-19

The Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (Sport Corp) dba The Races at Fair Hill continues to monitor policies and procedures related to COVID-19. The safety and well-being of our spectators, competitors, officials and staff is a priority. However, the Sport Corp nor the venue (Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area / Special Event Zone) cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with the virus while attending the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill event.

Please read the agreement and waiver of liability below. By attending this Event in any fashion, you are attesting and confirming your intent and commitment to abide by the agreement and waiver of liability.

Agreement:

I commit to not attending the event for which I have purchased, reserved, registered, and/or signed-up to participate if I am experiencing or exhibiting any COVID-19 related symptoms as outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.

I commit to not attending the Event for which I have purchased, reserved, registered, and/or signed-up to participate if I am aware or believe I was recently exposed to a person with a positive and confirmed case of COVID-19.

Waiver of Liability:

I acknowledge the contagious and evolving nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to the virus and become affected as a result.

I voluntarily agree to assume all risks and accept sole responsibility for any expense, liability, illness, injury, disability, or death related to contracting the virus while attending the Event.

I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless the Sport Corp dba Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill and/or any of its affiliated partners/organizations and the venue from all claims arising out of COVID-19.

I understand and agree that release of liability includes any claims toward the Sport Corp dba Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill and/or any of its affiliated partners/organizations and the venue, whether a COVID-19 infection occurrence exists before, during, or after attendance and/or participation at the Event.

Duty to Self Monitor: Each attendee agrees to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (symptoms typically include fever, cough, and shortness of breath) and, contact info@sportcorpmaryland.us if he/she experiences symptoms of COVID-19 within 10 days after participating, attending or volunteering with the Event.

We appreciate your continued efforts for the health & safety of all Event attendees.

Inclement weather may temporarily delay, prevent or cancel racing for the safety of all participants, including the equine athletes and riders. The concern for the equine athletes, riders and all other participants’ safety serves as the main driver when these decisions are made, and decisions always strive to err on the side of caution. Each weather incident is unique, and each will demand individual attention and analysis. 

Inclement Weather Events: Severe or harsh weather environmental conditions that may include, without limitation: 

1. High Temperatures or Heat Index; 

2. Low Temperatures or Wind Chill; 

3. High Winds; 

4. Lightning; 

5. Precipitation; 

6. Air Quality; 

7. Fog/Visibility. 

Turf Track: The safety of the equine athletes and rider is the driving factor of taking racing off the turf track  If the Turf Track Supervisor determines there is too much moisture in the track and could be unsafe, races may be delayed or canceled entirely