An overhaul of Maryland’s horse racing industry is needed, a new report concludes, and the Preakness could find itself at a new state-of-the-art home in the next few years.
The report released Friday from the Maryland Thoroughbred Operating Authority, which was established last year, suggests that the state should completely rebuild the facilities at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore over the next three years.
The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown, would be temporarily run at Laurel Park, and return to the new Baltimore facility in 2027.
The proposal, which is dubbed “Pimlico Plus” and subject to legislative and other legal approvals, would pour nearly $400 million into a completely re-envisioned Pimlico site, with a new clubhouse, stables for 700 horses, a 1,000-seat event space, 2,000-car parking garage, veterinary facilities, a possible hotel and other new amenities.
The overhaul is modeled after the horse racing industry in New York, which is home to the Belmont Stakes, the third and final leg of the Triple Crown.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Danielle E. Gaines over at Maryland Matters
