Before embarking on a substantial $375 million upgrade that had been delayed for many years, Pimlico Race Course experienced its last day of training and simulcasting this Saturday. This event marked a significant prelude to the first major renovation since 1960 for the almost 154-year-old racetrack.
The official declaration came through a written communication from the Maryland Jockey Club on Saturday, a subsidiary of The Stronach Group. Interestingly, The Stronach Group recently sold the racetrack to the state of Maryland for a nominal fee of $1, while retaining the rights to host the Preakness for an additional three years.
Look Back: The Strategic Plans for Pimlico by Maryland and Stronach.
“As of July 1, 2024, the ownership of Pimlico Race Course has officially been transferred from The Stronach Group to the State of Maryland. This move is part of a strategy to ensure the Preakness Stakes remains in Baltimore and to position Pimlico as the central facility for year-round Thoroughbred racing in Maryland,” stated Mike Rogers, acting president and general manager of MJC, in the announcement. “Alongside this ownership transfer, we are announcing a $10 million investment in collaboration with Park Heights Renaissance and the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority. This investment aims to improve housing, job training, and workforce development in the Park Heights neighborhood.”
Mike Rogers added, “To proceed with the MTROA and the Maryland Stadium Authority, August 31 will be the final day for all racing, training, and wagering activities at Pimlico. This cessation includes all operations that are customer-facing as well as those in the backstretch area.”
Earlier in January, The Stronach Group revealed plans to relinquish the responsibilities of managing and maintaining Pimlico. It is anticipated that the Preakness will be held at Pimlico in May of the following year before the event is relocated to Laurel Park in 2026 and 2027, after which Stronach plans to sell this venue, marking the end of its racing operations in Maryland.
“Pimlico has been an integral component of our portfolio,” remarked Rogers in Saturday’s statement. “The Stronach Group extends its gratitude to our patrons and the community, especially those in Park Heights, for their support. We also thank our employees, backstretch workers, owners, trainers, jockeys, riders, and industry stakeholders for their collaboration in providing top-tier Thoroughbred racing and training while adhering to the highest standards of operational excellence and horse safety at Pimlico. We are excited to continue our engagement with Maryland racing stakeholders for many years and look forward to the upcoming 150th Preakness at Pimlico.”
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