Operations have ceased at Pimlico Race Course as of Saturday, August 31, in order to allow the construction of the new Pimlico under the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority. Saturday, Maryland Jockey Club Acting president and General Manager Mike Rogers issued a statement marking the event.
“On July 1, 2024, ownership of Pimlico Race Course was officially transferred from The Stronach Group to the State of Maryland as part of the plan to secure the Preakness Stakes's continued presence in Baltimore and establish Pimlico as the permanent hub for year-round Thoroughbred racing in Maryland,” reads the statement. “In conjunction with this transfer, a strategic investment of $10 million was announced through the Park Heights Renaissance in consultation with the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority to enhance housing, employment training, and workforce development in the Park Heights area.
For the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority and the Maryland Stadium Authority to move ahead, today, August 31, marks the final day for all racing, training and wagering operations at Pimlico Race Course. This closure includes all customer facing activities and the backstretch.
Pimlico has been a valuable part of our organization. The Stronach Group thanks our customers and the community, particularly the Park Heights community, for their patronage and support. To the employees, backstretch workers, owners, trainers, jockeys and riders, and industry stakeholders we thank you for your partnership in delivering world-class Thoroughbred racing and training while maintaining the highest standards of operation and horse care and safety at Pimlico. We look forward to continuing to work with Maryland racing stakeholders for many years to come and to the upcoming Preakness 150 at Pimlico.”
This spring, the Stronach Group donated Pimlico to the state of Maryland. While Pimlico is being rebuilt, racing will move to Laurel. The Stronach Group will retain ownership of the Preakness through 2025 and 2026, before it is turned over to the new state entity.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
