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| Staff Writer |
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The countdown has begun for the final running of the Gr.1 Preakness Stakes at the old Pimlico Racecourse, with Saturday's 150th edition marking the conclusion of a historic chapter in Maryland racing.
After years of speculation and planning, the long-awaited redevelopment is finally becoming reality, with demolition work set to begin next month on the ageing 75-year-old grandstand.
"It's been six years since 2019 when I was brought in to help figure out this situation," said Alan Foreman, a longtime Maryland racing leader and architect of the redevelopment plan. "The world has been skeptical of this plan for a long time. People lose focus on it or think it won't happen, and to this day I get it. But it is happening now."
The nonprofit Maryland Jockey Club has taken over operations from 1/ST Racing, with former Monmouth Park executive Bill Knauf installed as president and general manager.
"For a lot of people, it's bittersweet but very exciting at the same time," Knauf said. "A lot of people feel it's something that has been talked about for a long time in Maryland and I can appreciate the excitement of it actually happening. Once everyone sees the images of the building coming down, it's another indication that something new is coming."
The transformation represents a complete overhaul of Maryland racing. Laurel Park will eventually close, with horsemen unable to secure stalls at the new Pimlico set to relocate to a US$110 million training centre in Woodbine, Maryland – approximately a 25-minute drive from Baltimore. Construction at Shamrock Farm is expected to begin by early 2026.
The new Pimlico is scheduled to debut for the 2027 Preakness, featuring a smaller but significantly modernised facility that will serve as year-round racing headquarters for the state.
"It's been a historic building but it's time," Knauf added. "Everybody agrees with that. It's had a great run but it has run its course. There are renderings posted that show we are going to honour the history and traditions of Baltimore and Pimlico. It will be historic but modernised for today's amenities."
While the racing surfaces will remain unchanged, the new grandstand will be considerably more compact, accommodating approximately 6,000-8,000 spectators for regular racing days.
"It's not finalised, but attendance will be 6,000-8,000. We will also have infrastructure in the stretch and infield that can house whatever we will need for Preakness or Black-Eyed Susan days," explained Knauf. "We haven't decided on an attendance for the Preakness day, though it will be a substantial number with temporary structures.
"It's the right size for the vast majority of the time but then we can flex up for the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan. Maybe there's a Breeders' Cup down the line and we will have Maryland Million Day. Hopefully there's a lot of big days like that. We want to bring excitement and increased attendance on a daily basis and put Maryland racing back on the map."
The construction period will provide an opportunity to perform necessary work on both dirt and turf courses in preparation for year-round racing at Pimlico.
"We will have to make some adjustments for winter racing, but the Pimlico surface has always been raved about as a consistent surface and one the horsemen love running on it," Knauf said. "They're already excited about the chance to run on Pimlico's surfaces all year long."
Decisions regarding the famous infield activities on Preakness day have not been finalised, with the new operators still considering options for the area that once featured the part-man/part-horse mascot Kegasus.
"We haven't finalised plans for infield activities," said Knauf. "The goal is to provide something for everyone. The high-end hospitality tents are there, and you get a unique feel for the stretch run. It's worked well for years. We also recognise we want to offer something for the general admission fan to enjoy in the infield."
The MJC is also exploring additional revenue streams, including the possibility of a sportsbook and the introduction of fixed odds wagering.
"We can add a sports book, and we'll look at that," Knauf said. "We've already talked with our horsemen and the racing commission about fixed odds, and I can foresee us dipping our toes into it. When I was at Monmouth, the people using fixed odds loved it."
Even with the management changes, 1/ST Racing will maintain involvement through 2026, conducting the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan cards this year at Pimlico and next year at Laurel Park. From 2027 onwards, they will receive a licence fee and percentage of handle for those premier racing days.
"We have to be out of Laurel by Jan. 1, 2028, or we will have to pay rent to be there," Foreman said. "It's in everyone's best interest to be done by then."
The relationship between horsemen and management appears to have improved under the new structure.
"Since I've been here, I have had nothing but positive relationships with the horsemen," said Knauf. "The nature of the relationship is different than with a private operator. We are a non-profit that was formed by the State of Maryland. We are here for the racing industry and the community.
"When we can hopefully turn a profit down the road, the profits will go to the racing industry and local community. I've worked closely and effectively with horsemen at Monmouth and have found the same type of relationship here."
For many racing enthusiasts, redevelopment represents a necessary step forward rather than a loss of tradition.
"I'm not sad to see it go," concluded Foreman. "Pimlico highlights one of racing's biggest problems. The sport has failed to modernise in the face of tremendous competition from other sports that are thriving because they have made their facilities destinations that people want to see.
"If you are going to develop a new core group of fans, you need facilities that can compete with other sports, and Pimlico personified what's wrong with this sport. Not only is it exciting to have new facilities that will invigorate the horse racing industry, but they will spur redevelopment in the area."