The Pimlico Race Course, steeped in the history of American horse racing, is slated to shut down operations on September 1, to undergo substantial renovations. This anticipated closure was confirmed in a Facebook post by the race course itself and is a part of the wider-reaching Pimlico Plus plan which received legislative approval earlier this year, according to WMAR2.
With the forthcoming changes, The Stronach Group which currently operates the track will hand over the reins to the State of Maryland on January 1, 2025, as per the plan details. Despite the impending upgrades, The Stronach Group assures, via a statement on Pimlico's page, that fans can expect the 150th Preakness Stakes to proceed as scheduled at the venue in 2025. As a gesture of gratitude, the Group is set to host a Fan Appreciation Celebration on August 18, from 12:00 - 3:30 p.m., before the expected closure, as detailed by WMAR2.
Ownership of the storied venue, which hosts the esteemed Preakness Stakes, was officially transferred to the state, initiating the first step in the reimagination of Pimlico as a premier, year-long thoroughbred racing hub. The redevelopment process, as detailed by CBS News Baltimore, will involve demolishing sections of the site this fall, to modernize the facility and rejuvenate the surrounding Park Heights neighborhood.
As a part of this sweeping initiative, the Maryland General Assembly has approved a plan to overhaul the state's racing industry, to the tune of $400 million. This redevelopment, while displacing racing activities temporarily, including the 2026 Preakness moving to Laurel Park, aims to consolidate and solidify Pimlico's standing in the racing world. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has been quoted, as stating, “The transfer of the track will keep horse racing at Pimlico for generations and will deliver economic prosperity to the Park Heights community and the City of Baltimore," as reported by Gazette.
The path forward for Pimlico includes the demolition of the old grandstand post the 150th Preakness, a revision from previous plans due to financial considerations. The project's expense has increased complications, with Gary McGuigan, the Maryland Stadium Authority’s Executive Vice President for Capital Projects Development, explaining, “We were doing an engineering analysis for the demolition of the old grandstands and what we found out is it’ll probably cost a lot of money to demolish the old grandstands and keep the clubhouse in place,” he told the board during a recent meeting, as detailed by Gazette.
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