Demolition of Pimlico begins

The physical demolition of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md., began on Thursday with the razing of the track’s barns along Winner Avenue, Maryland officials said.

The start of the demolition marks the beginning of an estimated two and half year project to build a new grandstand and barn area on the Pimlico property. Demolition of the site’s existing buildings is expected to proceed over the next six months, with reconstruction beginning early in 2026, according to a construction schedule maintained by the Maryland Stadium Authority.

The Pimlico reconstruction project is part of a $400 million plan to consolidate live racing at Pimlico beginning in the year 2028, supplemented by the construction of a training center on a farm outside of Baltimore. The project was approved by the legislature as part of a deal in which the former owner of Pimlico, 1/ST Racing and Gaming, handed over the property’s deed to the state.

Racing in Maryland moved to Laurel Park after a one-week meet to support the Preakness this year. Live racing is expected to be held at Laurel throughout 2026 and 2027, with the exception of a brief meet to support the 2027 Preakness, with a permanent consolidation in 2028.

Laurel Park, which is still owned by 1/ST, is expected to be closed and redeveloped after racing returns to Pimlico.

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