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43-584: Pimlico was owned by the Stronach Group from 2011 until 2024, when ownership transferred to the state-run Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA). Pimlico closed for renovations in September 2024, with all of Pimlico's racing dates except for the 2025 Preakness Stakes transferred to Laurel Park until the project is completed. Pimlico officially opened in the October 25, 1870, with

86-560: A casual simulcast theater and cafe in a convenient track-side location and the "Kelso Club," a premier accommodation for VIP customers with concierge service. Magna Entertainment Corp. purchased the track on July 15, 2002, and announced an alliance with The Maryland Jockey Club designed to raise the level of Maryland thoroughbred racing to new heights. Another renovation of Laurel Park's track and facility in 2004 to early January 2005 widened both racing surfaces. After Magna's bankruptcy in 2009, Penn National Gaming and MI Developments began

129-609: A crowd of 43,000. The capacity of the stadium is 98,983. The most notable architectural feature of the original racetrack was the members' Clubhouse, located on the first turn. A "steamboat Gothic-era" design, the Clubhouse was topped by a weathervane that was repainted each year in the colors of the winner of the Preakness. The old Clubhouse was restored in 1956, with private rooms on the third floor named after Triple Crown winners. The President's room contained racing archives, while

172-597: A joint ownership of the Maryland Jockey Club in 2010 for operation of Laurel Park. The Stronach Group bought out Penn National's minority ownership of the Maryland Jockey Club in June 2011. In May 2011, Frank Stronach gave up leadership of MI Development in exchange for Magna's former gaming assets, giving him control over Laurel Park. In 2013, following a failed attempt to introduce slot machine gambling, Laurel Park owners Stronach Group announced plans to use

215-508: A new reorganization plan. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, had until April 30 to approve Magna's reorganization plan. Stronach Group owns the following tracks in order of acquisition date: Laurel Park (race track) Laurel Park , formerly Laurel Race Course , is an American thoroughbred racetrack located just outside Laurel, Maryland which opened in 1911. The track is 1 + 1 ⁄ 8 miles in circumference. Its name

258-587: A separate public company. Magna Entertainment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Stronach Group entered the horse racing industry by purchasing Magna Entertainment Corporation's former holdings from MI Developments . In January 2020, the company announced a rebranding to the 1/ST banner for all consumer-facing operations. Stronach Group currently owns or manages racetracks in North America, including many thoroughbred tracks and two mixed (thoroughbred and standardbred ) tracks. Stronach Group also operates

301-673: A straw-based bedding product, StreuFex. In 2004, voters in Oklahoma approved legislation that allowed Stronach Group to add slot machines at Remington Park racetrack in Oklahoma City . Remington Park opened its casino, featuring 650 Class II gaming machines , in November 2005. Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach , Florida , followed suit in November 2006, with 516 slot machines and poker . In 2006, under what

344-677: Is an entertainment and real estate company in North America with thoroughbred horse racing and parimutuel gambling at the core. Magna Entertainment Corporation (MEC) was created in 1999 by parent company Magna International Inc. Magna International, a major automotive supplier based in Ontario , Canada , underwent a corporate reorganization in which its non-automotive businesses and interests were transferred to MEC. In March 2000, Magna International distributed shares in its new division to its current stockholders, establishing MEC as

387-510: Is held by Farma Way , who set it while winning the Pimlico Special in 1991. In the century and more since its opening, Pimlico Race Track has weathered much outside history including the 1904 Great Fire of Baltimore , Great Depression of the 1930s, and several notable Baltimore riots. Pimlico also survived Prohibition and even an anti-gambling movement in 1910. A bill sponsored by the state racing commission in 1949 to abandon

430-485: Is used as a training facility. The Stronach Group is owned by Canadian horse breeder and owner Frank Stronach, who also was MI Development's chairman and chief executive, a position he gave up in order to run Maryland's racetracks. Penn National bought a 49% stake in the Jockey Club in 2010 in hopes of securing a slots license at Laurel Park. In 2018, the track began using a GPS-based timing system. In February 2017,

473-766: The Maryland General Assembly in May 2020, allowed the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue $ 375 million in bonds for the renovation of both Stronach Group tracks. On March 14, 2024, the Stronach Group announced that it had reached a deal with the Maryland state government to transfer ownership of Pimlico to the new Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA), allowing for a multi-million dollar renovation project of

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516-500: The Maryland state legislature when they convene in 2020, as existing state laws would have to be modified in order for the proposal to be realized. In April 2021, Laurel's spring racing dates were shifted to Pimlico Race Course on an emergency basis due to issues with Laurel's main track surface. In January 2024, it was announced that major renovations would take place at Pimlico Race Course , resulting in one or two runnings of

559-656: The Preakness Stakes moving to Laurel. A bill introduced in the Maryland General Assembly in March 2024 provided for the consolidation of thoroughbred racing in the state to Pimlico, with the 2026 Preakness run at Laurel during the Pimlico redevelopment. The bill passed in April 2024 after amendment, and was expected to be signed into law by Governor Wes Moore . Laurel is expeceted to close permanently for racing, and

602-529: The Washington, D.C. International was introduced at 1 + 1 ⁄ 2 miles on the turf . In 1953 Laurel opened a new clubhouse and turf club. In 1954, 14 horses were saved from another stable fire. In 1957 the grandstand was remodeled. In an effort to improve conditions for the International, Laurel lengthened its turf course from seven furlongs to one mile in 1959; simultaneously, the main track

645-480: The simulcasting venues at these tracks, as well as OTB ( Off-track betting ) facilities. Other ventures include Xpressbet , a wagering business that allows customers to wager on over 100 horse racing tracks via internet or telephone Stronach Group also owns thoroughbred training facilities in conjunction with its racetracks in California, Florida, and Maryland, and owns and operates facilities that manufacture

688-457: The Butler estate with the idea of shifting the Pimlico meeting to Laurel. After the Maryland General Assembly rejected the idea of replacing Pimlico with Laurel Park, the track was sold in 1950 to Morris Schapiro who had his youngest son, John D. Schapiro as the track's new president. From 1950 to 1984, Laurel Park underwent a period of great change. The track was renamed Laurel Race Course and

731-567: The Enterprise Foundation, Inc. and the Ryan Family Foundation, Inc. In addition, Laurel Park, as part of a $ 16 million multi-year renovation plan, opened four premier Clubhouse areas: "Tycoons," an upscale cigar and brandy bar with an excellent television presentation of racing and other sporting events; "Sunny Jim's," a simulcast theater with individual carrels, and food & beverage service; "Clocker's Corner,"

774-519: The Maryland Jockey Club. Penn National, which began in 1973, operating the Penn National Race Course near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania , has grown to become the largest racetrack operator in the country. In June 2011, The Stronach Group took control of the tracks when MI Development bought out Penn National Gaming's minority stake in the Maryland Jockey Club, which owned Laurel Park Racecourse , Pimlico, and Bowie Race Track which

817-665: The Maryland Racetrack Facility Redevelopment Account to fund year-round racing, facility improvements and a tunnel under the adjacent B&O railroad tracks, connecting to a 1000-unit transit-oriented development called Laurel Park Station on the Howard County portion of the Racetrack property. In 2018, the track began using a GPS-based timing system. In October 2019, as part of an agreement between The Stronach Group and

860-411: The Maryland Stadium Authority released the first phase of a study saying that Pimlico needed $ 250 million in renovations. In January 2018 it was reported that Pimlico renovation studies were continuing. A report issued on December 14, 2018 suggested the existing buildings be demolished and rebuilt. In a meeting held in June 2018 by the Maryland Stadium Authority, locals "overwhelmingly supported upgrading

903-550: The Mid-Atlantic region. In 2007, the official attendance was 121,263 for the Preakness, the most people to watch a sporting event in Maryland history. More than $ 87.2 million in bets were made. On March 23, 2010, an agreement was reached to sell the two Maryland Jockey Club tracks (Pimlico and Laurel Park) from Magna Entertainment Corporation to its parent company, MI Development. On May 7, Penn National Gaming , with MI Development, announced they would jointly own and operate

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946-405: The Pimlico property on July 1, 2024. On the same date, the Maryland Jockey Club announced that the entire Pimlico property would close on September 1, 2024 to begin the reconstruction project, with Laurel Park hosting day-to-day thoroughbred racing and training in Maryland until renovations are completed. Pimlico is expected to temporarily reopen in May 2025 to host the 150th Preakness Stakes, while

989-605: The Preakness in 2026 would be held at Laurel. On October 24, 1877, the United States Congress shut down for a day so its members could attend a horse race at Pimlico. The event was a 2½-mile match race run by a trio of champions: Ten Broeck , Tom Ochiltree , and Parole . Ten Broeck, the Kentucky champion, was owned by F. B. Harper. Tom Ochiltree, the Eastern champion and winner of the 1875 Preakness Stakes,

1032-596: The city of Baltimore to keep the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course , plans were announced for Laurel Park to undergo facility upgrades. Under the proposal, The Stronach Group would donate both Pimilco and Laurel Park to newly established government entities that would oversee the properties, with Stronach licensed to conduct the race meets. Laurel's grandstand would be demolished and replaced, and new dirt, synthetic and grass surfaces for racing would be installed. New housing for backstretch workers and new barns would also be constructed. The plans would have to be approved by

1075-577: The colt Preakness winning the first running of the Dinner Party Stakes . Approximately 12,000 people attended, many taking special race trains arranged by the Northern Central Railway. Three years later the horse would have the 1873 Preakness Stakes named in his honor. The track is also noted as the home for the match race in which Seabiscuit beat War Admiral in the second Pimlico Special , on November 1, 1938, before

1118-532: The direction of the Laurel Four County Fair. In 1914, New York businessmen and prominent horsemen, Philip J. Dwyer and James Butler purchased the track and appointed Matt Winn as the general manager. In 1918 the field was used by Army Engineers as a training camp before deployment to France. In 1946, a stable fire broke out with 60 horses saved. In 1947, the Maryland Jockey Club, which owned Timonium and Pimlico , purchased Laurel Park from

1161-458: The event. The event is depicted in a four-ton stone bas relief—copied from a Currier & Ives print and sculpted in stone by Bernard Zuckerman—hanging over the clubhouse entrance at Pimlico. It is 30 feet (9.1 m) long and 10 feet (3.0 m) high and is gilded in 24-karat gold leaf. The track has a one-mile dirt oval, surrounding a seven- furlong (7/8 mile) turf oval. There are stables for about 1,000 horses. Pimlico's capacity, including

1204-725: The infield, is over 120,000 people. The track area is bounded by Park Heights and Winner Avenues to the west, West Rogers Avenue and West Northern Parkway to the north, Preakness Way to the east, and West Belvedere Avenue to the south. (Its namesake street, Pimlico Road, runs from the city line near Greenspring Avenue to Park Heights Avenue south of Cold Spring Lane, but is rendered discontinuous to through traffic between Northern Parkway and Belvedere Avenue.) The following stakes are run at Pimlico (in order of grade, then year inaugurated): Grade 1 Stakes Races: Grade 2 Stakes Races: Grade 3 Stakes Races: Listed (ungraded) Stakes Races: Other notable Stakes Races: Pimlico Race Course

1247-413: The land possibly used for redevelopment, once renovations at Pimlico have been completed. Laurel Park hosts the following races in the seasons identified, listed by grade and sorted by inaugural year. The following Graded events were held at Laurel Park in 2019. Grade 3 Stakes Races: State-bred Showcase Stakes Races: Listed Stakes Races: The following ungraded stakes races are run at Laurel Park in

1290-467: The properties, with Stronach licensed to conduct the race meets. Pimlico's grandstand would be demolished and replaced with a smaller structure, and temporary seating would be added to handle the attendance during Preakness week. The race track itself would be rotated 30 degrees in order to create nine parcels of land that could be sold for private development, and new barns for horses would be constructed. The Racing and Community Development Act, approved by

1333-454: The race course's track to begin and for the construction of a new training center at a separate location. The deal would also consolidate thoroughbred racing in Maryland to Pimlico and have the Maryland state government assume responsibility over racing operations. The General Assembly passed a bill ratifying the deal in April 2024, which provided for $ 400 million in state bonds to be used for renovations to Pimlico. The MTROA assumed ownership of

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1376-1028: The race track also use Pimlico Race Course to burn their chametz every year. Pimlico Race Course has typically accessed from either the Rogers Avenue Metro Station to the east in Park Heights, Baltimore , and to the west by the Mount Washington Light Rail station in Mount Washington . For major events, a shuttle is typically in place by the Maryland Transit Administration going to the race course from light rail and metro stations. 39°21′13″N 76°40′23″W  /  39.35361°N 76.67306°W  / 39.35361; -76.67306 Stronach Group Stronach Group , doing business as 1/ST (pronounced "first" ),

1419-546: The racetrack from Schapiro before racetrack legislation would pose a conflict of interest. Laurel Park Racecourse was updated in 1985 with an innovative creation of the 'Sports Palace'. In August 1989, Frank DeFrancis died and his son, Joe DeFrancis, then served as president of Laurel and Pimlico. In 1994 the track's name returned to "Laurel Park". Yet more improvements included those to the main entrance, Grandstand interior and backstretch barns. In 1994, an effort to redevelop land occupied by Laurel Park and its adjacent properties

1462-522: The second floor contained the Jockey's Hall of Fame. The building was richly decorated and housed a notable collection of racing art. The building burned down when a fire started in the front rooms on June 17, 1966. The only item salvaged was the weathervane, which was relocated to a replica Victorian cupola in the infield. The Preakness Stakes and the Pimlico Special are run at a distance of 1-3/16 miles (9½ furlongs). The Pimlico track record for that distance

1505-511: The track property." The Preakness Stakes took place at Pimlico in May 2019, with media reports suggesting that future Preakness races could be moved to Laurel Park . In October 2019, The Stronach Group reached an agreement in principle with the city of Baltimore and groups representing Maryland horsemen that would permanently keep the Preakness at Pimlico. As part of the agreement, The Stronach Group would donate both Pimlico and Laurel Park to newly established government entities that would oversee

1548-423: The track was originally supported by Governor William Preston Lane Jr. , who reversed his position in late March. As Alfred G. Vanderbilt said, "Pimlico is more than a dirt track bounded by four streets. It is an accepted American institution, devoted to the best interests of a great sport, graced by time, respected for its honorable past." The races held at Pimlico, especially the Preakness, draw spectators from

1591-518: Was Magna Entertainment Corporation completed its purchase of AmTote International, who provide totalizator services to the horse racing industry. On March 23, 2010 an agreement was reached to sell the two Maryland Jockey Club tracks (Pimlico and Laurel Park) from Magna Entertainment Corporation to its parent company MI Developments. MI Developments received the tracks from M.E.C. in exchange for paying $ 25 million in cash for claims to Maryland Jockey Club creditors and $ 89 million to other creditors through

1634-573: Was attempted to relocate the Washington Redskins Stadium at the crossroads of Whiskey Bottom Road and Brock Bridge Road. Citizens and clergy launched a successful effort that killed the proposal. A lack of sufficient parking space was a significant factor in the decision. In 1999, at Laurel Park, the MJC broke ground on a new $ 1.85 million backstretch housing project, Laurel Commons, in cooperation with Laurel Quality of Life, Inc.,

1677-533: Was changed to "Laurel Race Course" for several decades until returning to the "Laurel Park" designation in 1994. In April 2024 the Maryland General Assembly approved a bill that would consolidate thoroughbred racing in Maryland to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore . Laurel Park is expected to host the 2026 Preakness Stakes , and then permanently close for racing once renovations at Pimlico have been completed. Laurel Park Racecourse opened October 2, 1911 under

1720-416: Was extended from one mile to one mile and one-eighth. In 1964, an intentionally set stable fire destroyed 34 horses. In 1965, the trotting track was covered with an artificial 3M "Tartan Turf". Laurel remodeled its clubhouse and grandstand to accommodate winter racing in 1966, enclosing the track's seating area with 30,000 square feet of half-inch-thick glass. In 1967, another fire was set on two stables which

1763-496: Was mitigated by new sprinklers. When Laurel was awarded the summer racing dates in 1982, the track installed an air conditioning system in the grandstand and clubhouse. In 1984, the 34-year Schapiro era ended with the sale of the track. Laurel entered a new era in December 1984, when governor Harry Hughes 's selection for Economic Development secretary Frank J. De Francis and his partners, Robert and John "Tommy" Manfuso, purchased

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1806-469: Was owned by George L. Lorillard , an heir to the Lorillard tobacco fortune. Parole, a gelding, was owned by Pierre Lorillard IV . Parole, with William Barrett up, prevailed with a late run, crossing the finish line three lengths ahead of Ten Broeck and six ahead of Tom Ochiltree, which had helped to set the early pace with Barbee in the irons. An estimated 20,000 people crowded into Pimlico to witness

1849-1013: Was the original US site for Virgin Festival from 2006 through 2008. The first was held on September 23, 2006, featuring bands The Killers , Red Hot Chili Peppers , and The Who . In 2007, it was a two-day festival (August 4–5) and featured The Police , the Beastie Boys , The Smashing Pumpkins , and Velvet Revolver . Its name was altered, to Virgin Mobile Festival , when it returned to Pimlico on August 9–10, 2008, with five headliners: The Foo Fighters , Kanye West , Stone Temple Pilots , Jack Johnson , and Nine Inch Nails . The event moved to Merriweather Post Pavilion in 2009. Since 2014, Pimlico Race Course has been home to Moonrise (festival) , an electronic dance music festival featuring artists such as Above & Beyond , Bassnectar , and Kaskade . The Orthodox Jewish community nearby to

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