Pimlico Race Course

Pimlico Race Course
Name	Pimlico Race Course
Location	Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Opened	1870
Race type	Thoroughbred
Course type	Dirt and Turf
Notable race	Preakness Stakes

Pimlico Race Course. Established in 1870, it is the second-oldest racetrack in the United States, surpassed only by the Saratoga Race Course. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the track is most famous as the annual host of the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the American Triple Crown. Its long history is intertwined with the development of Thoroughbred racing in North America, featuring legendary horses, dramatic finishes, and enduring traditions.

History

The track was founded by a group of prominent Maryland businessmen, including former Governor of Maryland Oden Bowie, who served as its first president. Its inaugural race meeting in October 1870 featured the first running of the Dinner Party Stakes, which was later renamed the Preakness Stakes in 1873. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a central hub for the sport, attracting the leading stables of the Gilded Age. The facility has survived numerous challenges, including a devastating fire in 1966 that destroyed the historic Old Clubhouse, and periods of financial instability. Its continued operation has been a subject of significant debate within the Maryland racing industry, often involving the Maryland General Assembly and the Maryland Jockey Club.

Facilities and track

The main dirt oval is a one-mile circuit with a distinctive configuration, including a very short stretch run that places a premium on tactical positioning. A separate turf course lies inside the main track. The most iconic structure is the Old Clubhouse's replacement, a modern grandstand, though the track retains historic elements like the Weather Vane and the Preakness Stakes winner's cup. The infield is renowned for its festive, large-scale atmosphere during major race days, particularly for the Preakness Stakes, where traditions like the InfieldFest concert draw massive crowds. The stable area and backstretch facilities have been cited as needing significant investment and modernization in recent years.

Notable races

Beyond its signature event, the track hosts several other important graded stakes races throughout its meet. These include the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, a prestigious Grade II race for three-year-old fillies run the day before the Preakness Stakes. Other significant contests are the Pimlico Special, a historic Grade III event for older horses, and the Sir Barton Stakes. The track has also been the site of numerous notable matchups and record-setting performances by champions such as Seabiscuit, Citation, and Cigar.

Triple Crown and Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes is the centerpiece of the racing calendar and a pivotal event in the quest for the Triple Crown. First run in 1873, the race was named for a colt named Preakness, who won the inaugural Dinner Party Stakes. The race is steeped in unique traditions, including the painting of the Woodlawn Vase colors on the Old Clubhouse's Weather Vane and the draping of the victorious horse with a blanket of Black-Eyed Susan flowers. Its position two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes creates the rhythm of the Triple Crown series. Historic moments here, such as Secretariat's record-setting victory in 1973 and American Pharoah's win in 2015, are indelible parts of racing lore.

Ownership and operations

The track is owned and operated by the Maryland Jockey Club, which is itself a subsidiary of The Stronach Group, a major international horse racing and gaming conglomerate founded by Frank Stronach. Operations are conducted under the authority of the Maryland Racing Commission. Financial viability and the future of the facility have been recurring issues, leading to discussions about potential redevelopment and the possible relocation of the Preakness Stakes, though Maryland law currently mandates the race be held in Baltimore. The track's relationship with neighboring Laurel Park, also operated by the Maryland Jockey Club, is central to the state's racing strategy.

In popular culture

The track and the Preakness Stakes have been featured in various films, television shows, and literary works, cementing their place in American culture. It served as a filming location for episodes of the acclaimed television series The Wire, which depicted aspects of Baltimore life. The drama and pageantry of the Preakness Stakes are frequently covered by national media outlets like ESPN and NBC Sports. References to the track and its premier race appear in novels and songs, often symbolizing the excitement and tradition of American sports.

Category:Horse racing venues in Maryland Category:Preakness Stakes Category:Sports venues in Baltimore Category:1870 establishments in Maryland