Track is renamed 'Laurel Park'

When Joe De Francis bought out the Manfuso brothers interests' in Laurel and Pimlico race courses last winter, he wanted to give each track a fresh identity.

He considered renaming the Laurel plant "Laurel Park," but decided to wait until money could be appropriated to give the facility a $1.2 million face lift.

With the track's extensive improvements, including new entrance ways and landscaping, De Francis announced this week that it is now named Laurel Park.

Pimlico, however, remains Pimlico Race Course.