Pimlico closed until 2025 Preakness

Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md., closed its doors as a racing, training, and wagering location on Saturday following a two-month transition period to consolidate racing and training at Laurel Park.

Pimlico will remain closed until the week of next year’s Preakness Stakes, when it will re-open for a brief meet managed by 1/ST Racing and Gaming, the track’s owner for the past two decades.

As part of a deal brokered this year between the state government and Maryland racing interests, Pimlico’s deed was transferred to the state on July 1. However, the Maryland Racetrack Operating Authority, a state agency formally created in the deal, reached an agreement with 1/ST shortly after the transfer date to continue to operate the track as a training center for two months to allow time for employees, horses, and horsemen to relocate to Laurel, where racing and training will be consolidated while Pimlico is torn down and rebuilt.

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Laurel Park remains the property of 1/ST Racing, but the track’s operations will be taken over by the MTROA as of Jan. 1. The MTROA is currently filling positions on its board of directors to manage racing in the state for the next three years, when Pimlico is expected to re-open and construction on a nearby training center is completed.

After racing and training moves back to Pimlico, 1/ST Racing is expected to redevelop the Laurel property.

Under the deal, 1/ST will continue to manage the Preakness Stakes and its supporting cards, but otherwise all racing at Pimlico will be managed by the MTROA. The Pimlico grandstand is expected to be razed shortly after next year’s Preakness.

“To the employees, backstretch workers, owners, trainers, jockeys and riders, and industry stakeholders we thank you for your partnership in delivering world-class Thoroughbred racing and training while maintaining the highest standards of operation and horse care and safety at Pimlico,” said Mike Rogers, the acting president and general manager of the two Maryland tracks for 1/ST Racing, in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to work with Maryland racing stakeholders for many years to come and to the upcoming Preakness.”

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