Situated in the Laurel district of the state of Maryland, Laurel Park held its first meeting on 2nd October 1911. The track was then sold just 3 years later to Philip Dwyer and James Butler, and remained in their hands for 36 years. In 1947 it was sold on to the Maryland Jockey Club and renamed 'Laurel Race Course'
Its principal race was the Washington D C International, over 1 and a half miles, it was first run in 1952 when won by Wilwyn. It also hosts the Group One Frank J DeFrancis Memorial Dash Stakes named in memory of its 1984 owner. It was in 1994, while owned by Joe DeFrancis, that the course reverted to Laurel Park along with many new facilities being added, including a new grandstand.
The Washington D C International was won by Bald Eagle in 1959 and 1960, the only horse to win it twice. It was contested for the final time in 1994 when Paradise Creek, ridden by Pat Day, was successful.
The Group One Memorial Dash over 6 furlongs was introduced in 1990 when Northern Wolf was successful. Lite the Fuse gained back to back victories in 1995 and again in 1996. The latest winner was Benny the Bull in 2007 as the 2008 event was not held.
