History
The 100-acre site was plotted for racing in 1870, and the early track also hosted jousting. Ray Bryson took it over in the mid-1930s, lengthened the track to three-quarters of a mile and built larger grandstands.
After Bryson's death in 1958 the track closed in the early 1960s (sources differ between 1960 and 1962). Its dirt oval now lies beneath the Harford Mall.
Timeline
- 1870
The 100-acre site was plotted; Thoroughbred Racing says the track was founded in the early 1870s.
- 1874Jousting[1]
Attendees could watch jousting at the track.
- 1936Bryson takes over[2]
Ray Bryson took over and built a three-quarter-mile track, a new starting gate and larger grandstands.
- 1958Bryson dies[2]
Owner Ray Bryson died.
- 1962
Wikipedia says the track closed in 1962; Thoroughbred Racing gives 1960.
The site today
| Physical status | Site redeveloped |
|---|---|
| Current use | Harford Mall[1,2] |
| Mapped location | Former venue site |
Street View near the former site · Satellite view (external, current imagery)
Venue facts
| Other names | Bel Air Racetrack |
|---|---|
| Location | About one mile north of Baltimore Pike, east of Tollgate Road, Bel Air, Bel Air, Maryland[2] |
| Venue type | Racetrack |
| Sports | Horse racing |
| Level | Thoroughbred |
| Opened | 1870[1,2] |
| Last used for sports | 1960–1962[1,2] |
| Physical status | Site redeveloped |
| Capacity notes | Thoroughbred Racing says attendance ranged between 6,500 and 15,000. |
| Surface | Dirt, lengthened to three-quarters of a mile |
| Owner / operator | Ray Bryson (1936-1958) |
| Closure | Wikipedia says the state legislature prevailed in efforts to close the track. |
Documented details
Sources
- The lost racecourses of Maryland, ThoroughbredRacing.com. Accessed 2026-10-19Supports: closed, current land use, events, opened
- Bel Air Racetrack, Wikipedia. Accessed 2026-10-19Supports: address, closed, coordinates, current land use, events, opened
Research confidence
Some facts on this page rely on a single source or are still being corroborated. Treat specific dates and figures with care. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.
Where sources disagree (2)
- Closing: Wikipedia gives 1962, Thoroughbred Racing gives 1960.
- Thoroughbred Racing says the track closed in the early 20th century and reopened in 1937; Wikipedia says Bryson took over in 1936.
See something wrong or missing? Suggest a correction or submit a source.