Frequently Asked Questions
Please note, the August 2025 event WILL NOT have jump racing or timber racing. The event will only have flat racing.
Races run rain or shine- dress accordingly!
The event is held outdoors, so consider practical footwear for walking on grassy terrain. Spike heels are not recommended! Be prepared for heat and no overhead coverage.
Do I need to buy a ticket?
No, the 2025 event is FREE thanks to our wonderful sponsors! Be sure to sign up to receive information when tickets go on sale for the 2026 event!
Can I tailgate?
For the August 30, 2025 event NO TAILGATING.
Where do I sit?
Lawn Seating:
Bring a blanket or your own chair and enjoy the races from the grassy areas. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly option with open views of the track — perfect for picnicking and soaking in the atmosphere.
Scattered Adirondack Chairs:
A limited number of Adirondack chairs are placed around the venue. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and offer casual comfort without needing to bring your own seat. Arrive early if you’d like to grab one!
Grandstand Seating:
These bleacher-style seats provide a great elevated view of the track and are also available first come, first served. No need to bring your own chair — just find an open spot and settle in.
Box Seats (Bring Your Own Chair):
For a semi-private, up-close experience, box seats are a great choice. These spaces are also first come, first served, but you must bring your own seating (camp chairs or folding chairs recommended). You’ll enjoy an intimate view of the action with room for your group.
Are there reserved seating options?
There are no general reserved seating options. Only sponsor box seats are reserved. This year’s event is designed as an open-house experience — it’s completely free to attend, and you’re welcome to sit anywhere! Feel free to move around and explore different viewing spots along our brand-new track to find what you like best.
Where can I park?
General Parking is FREE. No parking pass or tag will be needed to enter the general parking lot.
Designated VIP parking is included with certain Sponsorship and Donor levels – an event issued parking ticket will need to be presented to enter the VIP parking lots.
Accessible parking will be available for vehicles displaying a valid state-issued disability placard or license plate. Designated spaces will be located along the edge of the VIP area on Ranger Skinner Road, offering convenient proximity to the Main Entrance. All vehicles using accessible parking will exit via Entrance 1
You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, but NO GLASS CONTAINERS. Please note that alcohol and food will be available for sale on-site.
What address should I use for directions?
Fair Hill Special Events Zone, 4600 Telegraph Rd., Elkton, MD 21921
What will you see?
Bring the whole family for a fun and exciting day at the races! Starting at 1 PM, enjoy 5 to 6 thrilling horse races on a beautifully renovated track—hosting its first event since 2019!
There’s open seating throughout the venue, so you can pick your perfect viewing spot. Whether you’re near the grandstands or positioned along the track, you’ll have a great view of the action. Giant video boards will keep you close to the excitement with live coverage and replays.
In addition to the races, you’ll find bathrooms, food, drinks, and wagering stations in the Lawn Seating Singerly Road and Fairgrounds sections, making it easy to enjoy the event without missing a beat. The main area also features a variety of food and beverage options (along with wagering at the Pari-Mutal Building), perfect for grabbing a bite or a cool drink throughout the day.
It’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon—cheering, relaxing, and making memories together!
May I bring my own food or alcohol?
You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, but NO GLASS CONTAINERS. Please note that alcohol and food will be available for sale on-site.
Are pets welcome?
No, please leave your pets at home.
Where do I park if I am invited to the Sponsors tent?
Parking passed should have received emailed to you or your company representative. Please print the pass out ahead of time. You will park in VIP Parking at 4600 Telegraph Rd, Elkton, MD 21921.
The VIP Parking entrance is off Telegraph Road/Route 273. Follow the guidance of parking officials once you enter.
Will I need cash?
For your convenience, we recommend bringing cash for food, wagering, and merchandise. While most vendors accept credit cards, cash transactions are always swift and easy. ATMs provided by Cecil Bank will be on-site.
Is it permitted to stand along the fence?
Yes, you are welcome to stand along the fence to watch the races. No leaning over the railing.
What is the bathroom situation?
When nature calls, you won’t have to gallop far — plenty of porta-potties are corralled around the grounds. While we don’t have permanent restrooms this year, you’ll find portable ones near every seating area and parking lot, so you can get back to the races in no time.
What can I/can’t I bring onto the property?
You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, but NO GLASS CONTAINERS. Please note that alcohol and food will be available for sale on-site.
Yes
- Handbags, tote bags, messenger bags/briefcase, and other single compartment bags (including backpacks)
- Single strap diaper bags, if accompanied by a child
- One folding chair permitted per person
- Strollers, if accompanied by a child
- Food is allowed- NO GLASS. No heating elements.
- Blankets
- Towels
- Personal folding wagons
No
- All firearms or weapons of any kind regardless of permit (with the exception of Event Security as deemed necessary by the Event Organizers, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM).
- Illegal substances
- Flags or banners
- Artificial noisemakers, air-horns or horns of any kind
- Flasks
- Tents
- Pets
- Tailgating
- Generators
- Grills
- Outdoor cookers
- Smokers
- Steamers
- Glass containers
- Patio-sized or large umbrellas
- Canopies
- Corporate or political signs, banners, flags, or other promotional items
- Frisbees or balls
- Loud music and music with profane lyrics
- Oversized vehicles or trailers
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought in.
- Unmanned Aircraft: This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. 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 except as approved in writing by DNR
- Any other items deemed inappropriate, unlawful or dangerous by security officials at their sole discretion
How close can I get to the horses and jockeys?
While unauthorized individuals are not allowed on the course, be sure to visit the Paddock area (while staying outside the fence) to get a close-up view of the horses and jockeys preparing for the race
What happens if a horse gets hurt?
We prioritize the safety of the horses. An equine veterinarian and horse ambulance are present on the race course to assess and provide care in case of injury.
How old are the horses?
Horses typically range in age from 3 to 12 years old. Consult the race program (Race Day Program Key) for more information about the horses and jockeys.