Pimlico Race Course
Pimlico Race Course is a thoroughbred horse racetrack located in the Pimlico neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, that opened on October 25, 1870, and holds the distinction of being the second-oldest operating racetrack in the United States.[1][2]
Renowned primarily for hosting the Preakness Stakes annually on the third Saturday in May since the race's establishment in 1873, it serves as the site of the second leg in American thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown series.[3][4]
The venue has witnessed pivotal moments in racing history, including the legendary 1938 match race in which Seabiscuit upset the Triple Crown winner War Admiral, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the sport.[5]
Over time, the track has hosted thirteen Preakness winners who went on to complete the Triple Crown, though its aging infrastructure—necessitating an estimated $300 million in renovations as early as 2017—prompted Maryland's state-led redevelopment initiative, which commenced demolition of key structures like the clubhouse in August 2025 to construct a modern facility while ensuring continuity for major events.[4][6][7]
History
Founding and Early Operations (1870–1900)
The Maryland Jockey Club, under the leadership of Governor Oden Bowie, established Pimlico Race Course following a challenge issued at a dinner party in Saratoga Springs, New York, in August 1868, where attendees agreed to race their yearlings in 1870 at a new premier track.[8] Bowie, outbidding rivals from Saratoga and Jerome Park, secured commitment to build in Baltimore to elevate Maryland's thoroughbred racing profile.[1] The club purchased 70 acres of land west of the Jones Falls for $23,500 and constructed the one-mile oval track for an additional $25,000, engineered by General John Ellicott.[1] Pimlico opened on October 25, 1870, hosting its inaugural four-race card attended by approximately 12,000 spectators, marking it as the second-oldest racetrack in the United States after Saratoga Race Course.[1] [9] The highlight was the $10,000 Dinner Party Stakes over 1.5 miles, won by the colt Preakness, owned by Milton H. Sanford, in a time of 2:43.5, followed by a $15,000 purse event the next day.[10] The site's natural hill in the infield earned the venue its enduring nickname, "Old Hilltop."[11] Early operations focused on fall meetings, with the track hosting annual thoroughbred races that drew regional elites and solidified Baltimore's status in American horse racing.[12] In 1873, Pimlico inaugurated the Preakness Stakes on May 17 as a 1.5-mile event with a $2,000 purse, won by Survivor, establishing it as a premier spring fixture named after the inaugural Dinner Party victor.[1] By the late 19th century, the track had conducted multiple high-stakes events, including renewals of the Dinner Party Stakes, though racing faced periodic interruptions due to economic pressures and anti-gambling sentiments, with operations resuming under Maryland Jockey Club management through 1900.[1]Expansion and Prominence (1900–1960)
Following the resumption of flat racing in 1904 after a 15-year hiatus imposed by Maryland's anti-gambling laws, Pimlico Race Course experienced renewed public enthusiasm and media coverage, with race charts adopting formats similar to modern standards.[1] The track navigated early 20th-century national anti-gambling campaigns, remaining one of the few operational venues alongside those in Kentucky by 1910.[1] In 1913, Pimlico pioneered the installation of electric starting gates, the first such innovation at any U.S. racetrack, which improved starting reliability and contributed to its reputation for progressive operations; that year also saw the adoption of pari-mutuel betting machines, further stabilizing finances amid reform pressures.[1] Structural expansions enhanced capacity and appeal during this era. A new open grandstand, constructed in 1922, accommodated growing crowds for major events like the Preakness Stakes, solidifying Pimlico's status as a premier East Coast venue.[13] In 1938, the infield "hill"—the origin of the track's "Old Hilltop" moniker—was leveled to accommodate film and television cameras, improving visibility and broadcast potential as media interest surged.[1] The 1950s brought further renovations to modernize aging infrastructure, including updates to grandstands and facilities, though these were incremental rather than transformative.[14] Pimlico's prominence peaked through its role hosting the Preakness Stakes, which by the 1910s had established itself as a key thoroughbred event, drawing top horses and bettors.[1] The 1937 Pimlico Special, a high-profile match race, exemplified the track's draw for national audiences, while consistent Preakness purses and fields—rising from $30,000 in the early 1900s to over $100,000 by mid-century—underscored its economic and cultural stature amid a consolidating U.S. racing landscape where many tracks had shuttered.[15] These developments positioned Pimlico as a resilient hub for elite racing, with attendance bolstered by innovations and marquee competitions.[1]Challenges and Key Events (1960–2000)
On June 17, 1966, a fire sparked by an electrical malfunction destroyed Pimlico's historic Members Clubhouse, the oldest such structure in American thoroughbred racing, dating to the track's early years; the blaze spread rapidly through the wooden Victorian building, leaving only the iconic weathervane intact and erasing numerous artifacts, trophies, and records accumulated over nearly a century.[16][17] The incident, occurring after racing hours, prompted swift rebuilding efforts, with a modern clubhouse completed by 1967, though it marked the loss of a key architectural and historical landmark amid broader urban decay in Baltimore.[18] Labor tensions emerged in the 1970s, exemplified by an employee strike in April 1977 that halted operations and drew intervention from Baltimore Mayor William Donald Schaefer, whose mediation failed to end the walkout immediately, highlighting ongoing disputes over wages and conditions in Maryland's racing workforce.[19] These issues reflected wider pressures on the industry, including stagnant purses and competition from regional tracks. The 1980s and 1990s brought financial strains as Maryland's thoroughbred racing sector declined due to outmigration of bettors to neighboring states like Delaware and West Virginia, where slot machine revenue subsidized higher purses, eroding Pimlico's handle and attendance outside Preakness week.[20] Ownership instability compounded this; by 1994, Hollywood Park Entertainment Corporation purchased Pimlico and sister track Laurel Park from the Maryland Jockey Club for approximately $50 million, aiming to consolidate operations amid sagging revenues, though the acquisition underscored the venue's deteriorating infrastructure and uncertain viability.[21][9] Amid these challenges, Pimlico hosted pivotal racing events, including Preakness Stakes victories by Triple Crown winners Secretariat in 1973 (setting a track record of 1:53 for 1 3/16 miles), Seattle Slew in 1977, and Affirmed in 1978, which temporarily elevated attendance to over 50,000 despite industry headwinds.[22] These successes preserved the track's prestige but could not fully offset structural economic pressures from regulatory inaction on gaming expansion in Maryland.Recent Decline and Initial Renovations (2000–2023)
During the early 2000s, Pimlico Race Course, under the ownership of Magna Entertainment Corp. (later rebranded as The Stronach Group following its 2002 acquisition of a majority stake in the Maryland Jockey Club), faced intensifying operational challenges amid broader declines in the U.S. horse racing industry.[23] Attendance at Maryland thoroughbred tracks, including Pimlico, dropped more than 50% between 2001 and 2011, driven by competition from expanded gambling options such as slot machines legalized in neighboring states and the rise of off-track betting.[20] Handle revenues similarly declined by comparable margins, forcing reliance on state subsidies to sustain purses and operations, as live racing struggled to compete with simulcasting and alternative entertainment.[20] By the 2010s, infrastructure deterioration exacerbated the track's woes, with no major renovations undertaken since 1984, leading to widespread non-compliance with modern building codes.[24] Facilities suffered from outdated restrooms lacking required fixtures, a non-functional elevator that had been out of service for years, and structural decay, culminating in the condemnation of a grandstand section in 2019.[11] Attendance continued to plummet, falling 66% across Maryland tracks from 2013 to 2022, even as race days persisted, reflecting waning public interest and Pimlico's location in a blighted Baltimore neighborhood.[25] The Stronach Group, gaining full control in 2011, prioritized cost-cutting over capital investments, contributing to deferred maintenance amid annual operating losses offset by public funds.[26] Initial renovation efforts emerged in the late 2010s through state-commissioned studies highlighting the need for comprehensive overhaul. A 2017 Maryland Stadium Authority assessment estimated $248 million for basic upgrades to address safety and accessibility deficits at Pimlico.[27] This was followed by a 2018 Phase Two report recommending full demolition and reconstruction at a cost exceeding $424 million, citing irreparable aging and inefficiency in the existing structures.[28] The COVID-19 pandemic further strained operations in 2020, when the Preakness Stakes was postponed to October and held without spectators, underscoring vulnerabilities. Legislative momentum built with the 2020 Racing and Community Development Act, authorizing state bonds for redevelopment and signaling a shift from patchwork fixes to systemic revitalization planning by 2023.[29] These steps, however, remained preliminary, as funding disputes and Stronach's reluctance to invest privately prolonged the track's decline without substantive on-site improvements.[29]Physical Description
Track Layout and Dimensions
The dirt track at Pimlico Race Course consists of a one-mile loam oval that is 70 feet wide, featuring a stretch run measuring 1,152 feet from the final turn to the finish line.[30] It includes starting chutes extending from the main oval for six-furlong sprints and 1¼-mile routes, enabling efficient positioning of the starting gate without disrupting the primary circuit.[30] Encircling the infield lies a 7/8-mile turf course situated 254 feet inside the dirt oval, with a uniform width of 142 feet and a composition of sandy loam soil supporting a grass mix of 90% tall fescue and 10% bluegrass.[31][30] This configuration allows for versatile racing distances on both surfaces, with the turf course designed to facilitate smooth transitions and consistent footing during meets.[31]Facilities and Infrastructure
Pimlico Race Course's grandstand infrastructure includes a main grandstand built in 1954 with 5,691 seats, an older grandstand section offering 5,926 seats, a clubhouse accommodating 1,269 patrons, a sports palace with 160 seats, and dining facilities seating 1,806, for a total daily capacity of 14,852 seats.[13][30] In 2019, engineering assessments deemed approximately 6,700 grandstand seats unsafe, leading to their closure to prioritize visitor and employee safety, reducing effective seating during events.[32][33] The stable area comprises 665 stalls, along with dedicated tack and feed rooms and 132 sleeping quarters for track personnel.[30][31] These barns support on-site horse housing and operations, though structural demolition of barns and outbuildings began on July 24, 2025, as part of broader redevelopment initiatives.[34] Supporting infrastructure encompasses mechanical and electronic systems, including a United Starting Gate, American Totalisator betting equipment, photo finish cameras, American Teletimer for timing, video patrol by International Sound Corp., and a LumatronX display board.[30] Betting operations feature 750 windows, augmented by automated machines and temporary setups for high-attendance days like the Preakness Stakes.[30] Additional facilities include a track kitchen located behind the grandstand for concessions, jockey quarters with men's facilities at the rear of the paddock and women's nearby, and on-site first aid staffed by a doctor and nurse adjacent to the racing office.[30] An office for the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau is housed within the grandstand to oversee security.[30] Parking options consist of multiple lots, including accessible VIP areas near entrances, though specific capacities are not publicly detailed beyond event-specific designations.[35][36]Racing Activities
Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is a Grade I Thoroughbred horse race restricted to three-year-olds, contested annually at Pimlico Race Course over a distance of 1 + 3⁄16 miles (1.91 km) on dirt, serving as the second leg of the American Triple Crown series.[37] Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57 kg), while fillies receive a 5-pound allowance at 121 pounds (55 kg).[38] The race offers a purse of $2 million, with the winner receiving $1.1 million.[39] Held typically on the third Saturday in May—fourteen days after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes—it determines contenders for the Triple Crown, which has been achieved by 13 horses since Sir Barton in 1919.[40] Inaugurated on May 17, 1873, during Pimlico's first spring meeting, the Preakness Stakes was established by the Maryland Jockey Club to honor Preakness, an English colt owned by Governor Oden Bowie that won the track's inaugural Dinner Party Stakes in 1870.[41] The distance has varied historically but has been fixed at 1 + 3⁄16 miles since 1925, emphasizing stamina over the Derby's 1 + 1⁄4 miles.[37] Only five fillies have won in the race's history: Flocarline (1903), Whimsical (1906), Rhine Maiden (1915), Nellie Morse (1924), and Swiss Skydiver (2020).[42] Records include the fastest winning time of 1:53 flat, set by Secretariat in 1973, a mark that stood unchallenged for decades despite scrutiny over track conditions and timing methods.[37] Eddie Arcaro holds the jockey record with six victories (1941, 1948, 1950–1952, 1957), while trainer D. Wayne Lukas leads with seven wins (1980, 1985, 1994–1995, 1999, 2013, 2024).[38] The 2025 edition, the 150th running on May 17, was won by Journalism, trained by Michael W. McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, who surged from off the pace to defeat Gosger by 1 + 1⁄2 lengths in 1:54.20; Journalism paid $4 to win as the even-money favorite.[43] This victory marked the first Preakness success for McCarthy and Rispoli, with the horse bypassing a Triple Crown bid after a Kentucky Derby runner-up finish.[44]Other Racing Meets and Traditions
Pimlico Race Course conducts a limited spring racing meet, typically spanning several days in May, with live racing primarily on weekends and select weekdays leading into and following the Preakness Stakes. In 2025, the meet includes six racing days at the track, part of Maryland's overall 127-day thoroughbred racing calendar, focusing on high-profile stakes events that draw competitors from across the mid-Atlantic region.[45][46] Key stakes races beyond the Preakness highlight fillies, older horses, and handicaps, including the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, a Grade II event for three-year-old fillies contested over 1+1/8 miles on the Friday preceding the Preakness, established in 1919 and offering a $250,000 purse as of recent schedules.[47][48] The Pimlico Special, a Grade III handicap for horses aged three and older run at 1+3/16 miles, dates to 1926 and has historically attracted top older competitors, with a $150,000 purse in recent iterations.[48][47] Additional graded races feature the Allaire duPont Distaff Stakes, a Grade III for fillies and mares four years and older at 1+1/16 miles since 1992; the Chick Lang Stakes, a Grade III sprint for three-year-olds; and the Dinner Party Stakes, a Grade II turf race originating in 1870 as one of the track's earliest fixtures.[47][48] These events, often part of undercards or themed days like Preakness Weekend, emphasize speed, stamina, and regional talent development, with purses totaling millions across the meet.[46] Track traditions extend to ceremonial elements shared across meets, such as the display of historic trophies like replicas of the Woodlawn Vase—awarded in various stakes—and the singing of "Maryland, My Maryland" during post-race festivities, fostering a sense of continuity from Pimlico's 1870 founding.[49] The infield area, known for its lively atmosphere during major cards, includes family-friendly zones and vendor markets on non-Preakness days, though attendance pales compared to the headline event.[46] These practices underscore Pimlico's role in preserving thoroughbred racing heritage amid shifting schedules due to infrastructure challenges.[45]Non-Racing Uses
Events and Community Functions
Pimlico Race Course has served as a venue for non-racing music festivals and concerts, leveraging its large infield space for large-scale outdoor gatherings independent of horse racing schedules.[50] The Moonrise Festival, focused on electronic dance music, was hosted at the track on August 6–7, 2022, and August 12–13, 2023, attracting tens of thousands of attendees for performances by artists such as Illenium, Zeds Dead, and Alison Wonderland across two days.[51] Similarly, the Virgin Festival, a multi-genre music event featuring acts like The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Kanye West, took place at Pimlico on August 5, 2006, marking one of the venue's early large-scale non-racing uses.[50] These events highlight Pimlico's adaptability for entertainment beyond racing, with the infield accommodating stages, food vendors, and camping areas for overnight festival-goers.[52] Historical records indicate occasional standalone concerts, though such programming has been sporadic due to the facility's primary racing focus and seasonal constraints.[53] In redevelopment proposals dating to 2020, Pimlico has been envisioned as a multi-purpose events venue and community hub to foster year-round activity in the Park Heights neighborhood, including potential spaces for local gatherings, markets, and cultural functions to address underutilization outside racing periods.[54] However, prior to 2024 demolition, actual community functions remained limited, with emphasis placed on festival-style events rather than routine neighborhood programming, reflecting the site's infrastructure geared toward temporary large crowds rather than sustained local engagement.Access and Logistics
Transportation Options
Pimlico Race Course, located at 5201 Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, is primarily accessible by personal vehicle, with on-site parking facilities available, though reserved spots are recommended during major events such as the Preakness Stakes to avoid congestion.[55] [56] Drivers from Baltimore can access the venue via local routes like Park Heights Avenue, while those from surrounding areas use interstates including I-695 (exit 18A for MD-26 E/Liberty Road) or I-70 E merging onto I-695 N.[55] Traffic can be heavy on race days, prompting recommendations to arrive early or use alternative transport.[57] Public transit options are provided by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), with enhanced services during racing events. The Metro SubwayLink's Rogers Avenue station offers the closest access, approximately a 1-mile walk to the track or a connecting shuttle on race days; alternatively, the Light RailLink's Cold Spring Lane stop provides shuttle service to Pimlico, operating from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. outbound and returning until later.[57] [58] Bus routes such as MTA Line 94 from Baltimore Penn Station take about 51 minutes and cost $2, while Line 85 serves nearby stops with service until late evening.[59] [60] From Washington, D.C., MARC train service to Baltimore Penn Station followed by bus connections totals around 1 hour 45 minutes for $4–$600 depending on service class.[61] Ridesharing services like Lyft or Uber, as well as taxis, provide flexible options from Baltimore Penn Station (about 15–20 minutes, $21–$26) or Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport via Light Rail, Metro, and final leg by taxi.[62] [63] Airport taxi services offer a 15% discount for racetrack guests through providers like Diamond Transportation.[64] Chartered bus services, such as those from Rally Points, are available for events like the Preakness Stakes to bypass traffic.[65] Overall, MTA promotes transit use during peak events to skip traffic and parking challenges.[58]Visitor Amenities
Pimlico Race Course offers a range of visitor amenities centered on spectator comfort, wagering, and dining, with facilities accommodating both daily racing attendees and large crowds during events like the Preakness Stakes.[30] The track features multiple seating and viewing areas, including the main grandstand (capacity 5,691), old grandstand (5,926), clubhouse (1,269), and infield space estimated at 60,000 for Preakness Day, contributing to a total capacity of 109,748 on that occasion.[30] Daily seating totals approximately 14,852 across these areas, with options for reserved clubhouse boxes and general admission standing room.[30] Dining facilities span casual concessions to upscale options, allowing visitors to choose based on preference and budget. Terrace Dining on the second-floor clubhouse provides four-star meals with views of the track and an elaborate Sunday brunch during live racing, requiring reservations via (301) 725-0770.[66] The adjacent Hall of Fame extends similar upscale service for larger groups.[66] Casual outlets include the Starting Gate Concession and Bar on the first-floor clubhouse, Laughing Horse BBQ in the same area, and Smokehouse in the grandstand for barbecue and smoked items.[66] Visitors may bring their own food and coolers for a picnic-style experience in open areas like the grandstand or infield, a practice noted in attendee reports.[67] [68] A gift shop is available for merchandise purchases, located within the facility layout.[69] Wagering amenities include 750 mutuel betting windows, supplemented by temporary setups on Preakness Day and automated self-service machines for efficient bet placement.[30] Visitors can access these throughout the grandstand, clubhouse, and infield, supporting common bet types like win, place, show, and exotics as explained in track guides.[70] Accessibility features ensure broader participation, with designated wheelchair seating in areas such as Clubhouse Box Sections 1-12 (Row N), Grandstand Apron Boxes 1-29, and dining rooms like Terrace and Hall of Fame.[36] Accessible parking lots are available, including the VIP Hayward Lot 80 feet from the grandstand entrance, though no shuttles operate.[36] Restrooms equipped for disabilities are situated on Clubhouse Levels 1-3, Grandstand 2nd Level, and Concourse 1st Level, with public elevators at key entry points and allowance for service animals (other pets prohibited).[36] Guest services and first aid stations, staffed by medical personnel, are accessible year-round in the clubhouse.[30] For accommodations or issues, contact the Preakness Ticket Office at (410) 542-9400.[36]Redevelopment Efforts
Planning and Legislative Background
The redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course originated from longstanding concerns over the facility's deterioration and the Maryland horse racing industry's viability, prompting state intervention following The Stronach Group's 2019 indications of potential closure and relocation of major events like the Preakness Stakes to Laurel Park.[29] In response, the Maryland General Assembly enacted the Racing and Community Development Act of 2020, which authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue up to $375 million in bonds for infrastructure improvements at both Pimlico and Laurel, including feasibility studies and initial planning for Pimlico's revitalization as a year-round training hub while retaining the Preakness at the site. This act marked the foundational legislative framework, emphasizing public-private partnerships and community benefits amid debates over state subsidies for private operators.[71] Subsequent planning accelerated in 2023 with the creation of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority via state legislation, tasked with overseeing the transition of racing operations and negotiating Pimlico's transfer from Stronach Group ownership to state control to prevent industry collapse.[72] Negotiations culminated in a January 2024 agreement for Stronach to donate the property, contingent on state funding commitments.[73] The Maryland General Assembly then passed the "Pimlico Plus" bill (Senate Bill 399/House Bill 754) in April 2024, expanding bond authority to $400 million specifically for Pimlico's demolition and reconstruction into a modern racetrack with community event spaces, alongside a new training center at Laurel Park; the measure also established a nonprofit operating entity under state oversight.[74] [75] Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law on May 9, 2024, formalizing the state's acquisition and redevelopment mandate, with the Board of Public Works approving the transfer agreement on May 15, 2024.[76] [77] This legislative progression reflected bipartisan consensus on preserving Maryland's Triple Crown legacy, though it drew scrutiny over the fiscal burden on taxpayers amid competing infrastructure priorities.[78] By mid-2024, the Maryland Stadium Authority advanced detailed plans, incorporating environmental reviews and community input to align with the act's goals of economic revitalization in Baltimore's Park Heights neighborhood.[29]Demolition and Construction Timeline (2024–2027)
Demolition at Pimlico Race Course began on July 24, 2025, targeting initial structural elements such as barns and outbuildings, after racing operations and horses relocated to Laurel Park following the 150th Preakness Stakes held in May 2025.[79][80] This phase marked the start of a $400 million state-funded redevelopment overseen by the Maryland Stadium Authority, aimed at replacing aging infrastructure with modern facilities including a new grandstand, clubhouse, and year-round racing capabilities.[34][80] The initial demolition of peripheral buildings was completed by mid-September 2025, clearing space for subsequent site preparation.[81] Further demolition encompassing the existing track surfaces, utilities, and core site elements is planned from November 2025 through early February 2026, enabling a focused rebuild without ongoing racing disruptions.[13] Construction phases are slated to commence in early 2026, prioritizing foundational work, new track installation, and facility upgrades to support the return of the Preakness Stakes in 2027.[82] The project timeline, accelerated by non-rotating track reconstruction, targets full operational readiness by spring 2027, coinciding with the 152nd running of the event at the revitalized venue.[83][84]| Phase | Key Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory and Planning | 2024 | Authorization of $400 million in state bonds; contract approvals for demolition (e.g., $14.3 million package in May 2025, building on 2024 legislation).[85][86] |
| Initial Demolition | July 24–Mid-September 2025 | Removal of barns, outbuildings, and non-essential structures post-Preakness relocation.[87][81] |
| Core Site Demolition | November 2025–February 2026 | Demolition of track, surfaces, and utilities to prepare for reconstruction.[13] |
| Construction and Rebuild | Early 2026–Spring 2027 | Erection of new facilities, including clubhouse and events center; completion timed for Preakness return.[80][83][82] |