New plan for Maryland horse racing focuses on revitalizing Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course
BALTIMORE- For the first time in more than a century, the Preakness Stakes may be on the verge of being run outside of Baltimore.
A new to revitalize the historic race course would mean temporarily moving the middle leg of horse racing's Triple Crown.
A report from Maryland's new Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority calls for major upgrades to the track and surrounding site.
The state and Pimlico's current owner, the Stronach Group, reached an agreement in principle Friday to turn the track over to the state to redevelop the area.
The three-year redevelopment phase would temporarily move the Preakness Stakes 20 miles south to Laurel Park.
The Authority is recommending rotating the racetrack which would allow for a new clubhouse, stables for 700 horses, an event space and a privately run hotel.
The report notes there have not been any major changes to Pimlico's clubhouse since it was built in 1960.
The state has already authorized $375 million for improvements.
Senior administration officials say this proposal would make Pimlico a "full-fledged, everyday racing facility" like fellow Triple Crown tracks Belmont and Churchill Downs, which would mean year-round economic activity, increasing Pimlico's live racing days to as many as 160 days per year.
The track only had 23 live race days last year.
While the Authority says horse racing has a $2 billion annual economic impact in Maryland, it is not without controversy.
The horse racing industry is under criticism for mounting horse deaths.
Last year, a horse was euthanized after suffering an injury in a race at Pimlico hours before the Preakness Stakes.
This agreement with Stronach comes on the heels of the governor and the Orioles extending the lease agreement at Camden Yards, keeping the team in Baltimore for another 30 years.
In a statement, Gov. Wes Moore thanked Stronach Group leaders for professionalism and good faith, saying in part he looks "forward to working with the General Assembly and the (Authority) to finalize an agreement that ensures this important industry continues to create jobs and drive economic growth for years to come."
The future of Laurel Park after its potential temporary run hosting the Preakness Stakes would be up to the Stronach Group.
"The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club remain deeply committed to reinvigorating Thoroughbred racing in Maryland, and this framework agreement represents an important first step in that process," Stronach Group CEO Belinda Stronach said in a statement released by the governor's office.
