View source for Pimlico Race Course

{{Short description|American thoroughbred horse racetrack}}
{{Infobox racecourse
| name = Pimlico Race Course
| logo = Pimlico_Race_Course_logo.svg
| logo_size = 200
| logo_caption =<!-- Pimlico Race Course logo-->
| image = 147th Preakness Stakes (52093518043).jpg
| image_size = 240px
| caption = Preakness in May [[2022 Preakness Stakes|2022]]
| location = 5201 Park Heights Avenue<br />[[Baltimore, Maryland]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| owner = Maryland Jockey Club (Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority)
| opened = {{start date and age|1870}}
| channel = [[NBC Sports|NBC]] (Preakness Stakes)
| coursetype = Flat
| website = http://www.pimlico.com
| notableraces = [[Preakness Stakes]] (G1)<br />[[Black-Eyed Susan Stakes]] (G2)<br />[[Dinner Party Stakes]] (G3)<br />[[Pimlico Special]] (G3)<br />[[James W. Murphy Stakes]]
| handle = {{Increase}} $181,000,000 (2014){{Update inline|date=March 2019}}<ref name="2014report">{{cite report|author=The Racing Biz|year=2014|url=http://www.theracingbiz.com/2014/06/10/pimlico-spring-meet-shows-small-gains/|title=Pimlico Spring Meet Shows Gains|publisher=The Racing Biz|page=12|access-date=June 18, 2014}}</ref>
| attendance = {{Increase}} 351,146  (2014){{Update inline|date=March 2019}} <ref name="2014report" />
}}
'''Pimlico Race Course''' is a [[thoroughbred horse race]]track in [[Baltimore, Maryland]], most famous for hosting the [[Preakness Stakes]]. Its name is derived from the 1660s when [[England|English]] settlers named the area where the facility currently stands in honor of Olde Ben Pimlico's Tavern in [[London]]. The racetrack is [[nickname]]d "Old Hilltop" after a small rise in the [[infield]] that became a favorite gathering place for [[thoroughbred]] trainers and race enthusiasts.<ref name="history">{{cite web | url=http://www.pimlico.com/about/history | title=History | publisher=Pimlico Race Course | access-date=July 14, 2012}}</ref>

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 (race track)|Laurel Park]] until the project is completed.<ref name=bh010724/><ref name=bh190324/>

==History==
Pimlico officially opened in the October 25, 1870, with the colt Preakness winning the first running of the [[Dixie Stakes|Dinner Party Stakes]]. Approximately 12,000 people attended, many taking special race trains arranged by the Northern Central Railway.<ref name=GreatFire /> 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 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 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.<ref name="GreatFire">{{cite web |last1=Rasmussen |first1=Frederick N. |title=Much was lost in the great Pimlico fire of 1966 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2002-07-20-0207200054-story.html |website=baltimoresun.com |access-date=15 May 2021}}</ref>

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 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 [[Great Baltimore Fire|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&nbsp;1910. A&nbsp;bill sponsored by the state racing commission in 1949 to abandon the track was originally supported by [[Governor of Maryland|Governor]] [[William Preston Lane Jr.]], who reversed his position in late March.<ref name=nwlfe>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=r1IVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=heUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4058%2C372593 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |agency=Associated Press |title=Pimlico track gets new life |date=April 1, 1949 |page=18}}</ref>  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 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. <!--'''(was it the full card, or just the Preakness?)'''-->

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 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pennlive.com/midstate/2010/05/penn_national_to_jointly_own_a.html|title=Penn National to jointly own and run Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness|author=Donald Gilliland |date=May 8, 2010|website=pennlive}}</ref>

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 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.<ref name=A1>{{Citation |last=Hegarty |first=Matt |date=October 11, 2018 |title=Woodbine, Laurel, Pimlico officially adopt GPS timing system |publisher=DRF |url=https://www.drf.com/news/woodbine-laurel-pimlico-officially-adopt-gps-timing-system |access-date=October 14, 2018 }}</ref>

===Renovations===
[[File:Pimlico entrance MD1.jpg|thumb|right|The clubhouse entrance to Pimlico after the 2025 Preakness Stakes]]
In February 2017, the Maryland Stadium Authority released the first phase of a study saying that Pimlico needed $250 million in renovations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horse-racing/preakness/bal-shifting-the-preakness-from-pimlico-to-laurel-park-might-not-be-the-long-shot-you-think-it-is-20170515-story.html|title=Preakness 2017: Shifting the Preakness from Pimlico to Laurel Park might not be such a long shot|last=Walker|first=Childs|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=May 17, 2017|access-date=June 1, 2017}}</ref>

In January 2018 it was reported that Pimlico renovation studies were continuing.<ref name=B1>{{Citation |last=Walker |first=Childs |date=January 24, 2018 |title=Pimlico Race Course study set to continue, pending commission and stadium authority votes |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horse-racing/bs-sp-preakness-pimlico-study-0125-story.html |access-date=October 14, 2018 }}</ref> A report issued on December 14, 2018 suggested the existing buildings be demolished and rebuilt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wtop.com/local/2018/12/report-track-that-hosts-preakness-should-be-demolished/|title=Report: Track that hosts Preakness should be demolished|date=2018-12-14|website=WTOP|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-14}}</ref> In a meeting held in June 2018 by the Maryland Stadium Authority, locals "overwhelmingly supported upgrading the track property."<ref name=C1>{{Citation |last=Bechnar |first=Adam |date=June 13, 2018 |title=Baltimore denizens back Pimlico overhaul, keeping Preakness |publisher=[[Daily Record (Maryland)|Daily Record]] |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2018/06/13/baltimore-pimlico-overhaul-preakness/ |access-date=October 14, 2018 }}</ref> The Preakness Stakes took place at Pimlico in May 2019, with media reports suggesting that future Preakness races could be moved to [[Laurel Park (race track)|Laurel Park]].<ref name=D1>{{Citation |last=Barker |first=Jeff |date=May 11, 2018 |title=Preakness will return to Baltimore's Pimlico in 2019. After that, the race's home is uncertain |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horse-racing/preakness/bs-md-preakness-future-site-20180510-story.html |access-date=October 14, 2018 }}</ref>

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 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.<ref name=SUN051019>{{cite web |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-preakness-pimlico-20191005-6bn5tr3dinfezjmwltujaszgze-story.html|title='Historic' deal aims to keep Preakness in Baltimore; track owner, city reach agreement after 4 months of talks|last1=Barker|first1=Jeff|last2=Wood|first2=Pamela|date=5 October 2019|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|access-date=6 October 2019}}</ref><ref name=DRF051019>{{cite web |url=https://www.drf.com/news/coalition-lays-out-plan-major-redevelopment-pimlico-laurel?type=|title=Coalition lays out plan for major redevelopment of Pimlico, Laurel|last=Hegarty|first=Matt|date=5 October 2019|website=drf.com|publisher=Daily Racing Form|access-date=6 October 2019}}</ref>

The Racing and Community Development Act, approved by 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sports.nbcsports.com/2020/05/09/pimlico-to-be-renovated-keep-preakness-after-bill-passes/|title=Pimlico to be renovated, keep Preakness after bill passes|work=[[NBC]]|date=9 May 2020|access-date=10 May 2020}}</ref>

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 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Owner of Pimlico Race Course agrees to donate historic track to state |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/pimlico-plus-legislation-maryland-IF7S2HMFFJDEVAYXV6EIZXBAHA/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=[[The Baltimore Banner]] |date=March 14, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Pimlico redevelopment plan primed for summer start with governor's signature |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/moore-pimlico-redevelopment-bill-5UEZO453UBANXLTL7F6MRUF7QU/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |work=[[The Baltimore Banner]] |date=May 9, 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/pimlico-horse-racing-track-preakness-0de1c9ca2f7e7e266fb45fc8bee1ed2d|title=Maryland lawmakers OK plan to rebuild Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness|last=Witte|first=Brian|date=8 April 2024|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=10 April 2024}}</ref>
[[File:Pimlico Race Track after last race - 5-17-25.jpg|thumb|Pimlico Race Track at dusk after the UAE President Cup, held after the Preakness Stakes and, thus, the last race ever before demolition and rebuilding of Pimlico, May 17, 2025.]]
The MTROA assumed ownership of 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 (race track)|Laurel Park]] hosting day-to-day thoroughbred racing and training in Maryland until renovations are completed.<ref name=bh010724>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/277955/pimlico-activity-to-cease-sept-1-before-rebuild-starts|title=Pimlico Activity to Cease Sept. 1 Before Rebuild Starts|date=1 July 2024|publisher=The Blood-Horse|access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref> Pimlico temporarily reopened in May 2025 to host the 150th Preakness Stakes,<ref name=bh010724/> while the Preakness in 2026 would be held at Laurel.<ref name=bh190324>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/275688/maryland-plan-seeks-to-take-full-advantage-of-preakness|title=Maryland Plan Seeks to Take Full Advantage of Preakness|last=Angst|first=Frank|date=19 March 2024|publisher=The Blood-Horse|access-date=2 July 2024}}</ref> The new Maryland Jockey Club, as a non-profit entity of the MTROA, assumed control of thoroughbred racing in the state on January 1, 2025.<ref>{{cite web |first=Childs|last=Walker|date=30 December 2024|title=Maryland thoroughbred horse racing prepares to step into its future in 2025|url=https://www.timeswv.com/sports/maryland-thoroughbred-horse-racing-prepares-to-step-into-its-future-in-2025/article_090403e4-c630-11ef-9528-3fb36a67cc6d.html|website=timeswv.com|publisher=Baltimore Sun|access-date=2 January 2025|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

On May 7, 2025, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved the Pimlico reconstruction proposals from the Maryland Stadium Authority. Plans call for the new facility to include a hotel and event space. The existing grandstand will be demolished sometime after the [[2025 Preakness Stakes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/pimlico-race-course-maryland-preakness-park-heights-board-of-public-works-vote/|title=Design for Maryland's new Pimlico Race Course unveiled as demolition is approved for after 150th Preakness Stakes|last1=Thompson|first1=Adam|last2=Moodee Lockman|first2=JT|date=7 May 2025|website=cbsnews.com|publisher=WJZ-TV|access-date=9 May 2025}}</ref>

==="The Great Race"===
On October 24, 1877, the [[United States Congress]] shut down for a day so its members could attend a horse race at Pimlico.<ref>{{cite web |title=Racing Irresistible Magnet |url=https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800|website=[[Daily Racing Form]] ([[Library of Congress]]) |access-date=27 February 2025}}</ref> The event was a 2½-mile [[match race]] run by a trio of champions: [[Ten Broeck (horse)|Ten Broeck]], [[Tom Ochiltree]], and [[Parole (horse)|Parole]]. 

Ten Broeck, the Kentucky champion, was owned by Frank B. Harper. Tom Ochiltree, the Eastern champion and winner of the 1875 Preakness Stakes, 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 the event.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maryland Jockey Clubs Proud Boast: Operating Body of Pimlico Is Oldest of Kind in America |url=https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1940s/drf1948051501/drf1948051501_2_1 |website=[[Daily Racing Form]] ([[Library of Congress]]) |access-date=27 February 2025}}</ref>

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 {{convert|30|ft}} long and {{convert|10|ft}} high and is gilded in 24-karat gold leaf.

==Description==
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Baltimore_pimlico2.jpg|right]] -->
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 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.)

==Racing==
The following stakes are run at Pimlico (in order of grade, then year inaugurated):

'''[[Graded stakes race|Grade 1]] Stakes Races:'''
* [[Preakness Stakes|'''The Preakness Stakes''']] (1873)

'''Grade 2 Stakes Races:'''
* [[Black-Eyed Susan Stakes|'''George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes''']] (1919)

'''Grade 3 Stakes Races:'''
* [[Pimlico Special]] (1937)
* [[Gallorette Stakes]] (1952)
* [[Chick Lang Stakes]] (1975)
* [[Adena Springs Miss Preakness Stakes|Miss Preakness Stakes]] (1986)
* [[Maryland Sprint Stakes]] (1987)
* [[Dinner Party Stakes]] (1870)  

'''Listed (ungraded) Stakes Races:'''
* [[Woodlawn Stakes|James A. Murphy Stakes]] (1966)
* [[Hilltop Stakes]] (1973)
* [[Skipat Stakes]] (1993)
* [[Sir Barton Stakes (USA)|Sir Barton Stakes]] (1999)
* [[Jim McKay Turf Sprint]] (2006)
* [[The Very One Stakes]] (1993)
* [[Allaire duPont Distaff Stakes]] (1992)

'''Other notable Stakes Races:'''
* [[Bowie Handicap (Pimlico)|Bowie Handicap]] (1909)
* [[Geisha Handicap|Geisha Stakes]] (1973)
* [[Pimlico Nursery Stakes]] (1910)
* [[Pimlico Spring Handicap]] (1917)
* [[Deputed Testamony Stakes]] (1986)
* [[William Donald Schaefer Handicap]] (1994)
* [[Henry S. Clark Stakes]] (2001)
* [[Shine Again Stakes]] (2006)

==Non-racing events==
[[Image:Vfest.jpg|thumb|<!--Audience at-->Virgin Festival in 2006]]
Pimlico Race Course 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]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.virginfestival.com/2006/artists.html | title=Virgin Festival by Virgin Mobile | publisher=Virgin Festival | year=2006 | access-date=July 15, 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220102409/http://www.virginfestival.com/2006/artists.html | archive-date=February 20, 2012 }}</ref> In 2007, it was a two-day festival (August 4–5) and featured [[The Police]], the [[Beastie Boys]], [[The Smashing Pumpkins]], and [[Velvet Revolver]].<ref>[http://www.virginfestival.com/2007/index2.html Virgin Festival 2007 &ndash; Official website.]</ref> 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 (musician)|Jack Johnson]], and [[Nine Inch Nails]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.virginmobilefestival.com/#/home/ |title=Virgin Mobile Festival 2008 – Official website. |access-date=2009-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018214605/http://www.virginmobilelive.com/freefest/#/home/ |archive-date=2012-10-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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 (band)|Above & Beyond]], [[Bassnectar]], and [[Kaskade]].
{{Clear}}

The [[Orthodox Jewish]] community nearby to the race track also use Pimlico Race Course to burn their [[chametz]] every year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=153423 |title=Baltimore Community Chametz Burning @ Pimlico April 15, 2022. |access-date=2024-02-09}}</ref>

==Transportation==
Pimlico Race Course is typically accessed{{citation needed|date=May 2014}} from either the [[Rogers Avenue (Baltimore Metro Subway station)|Rogers Avenue Metro Station]] to the east in [[Park Heights, Baltimore]], and to the west by the [[Mt. Washington (Baltimore Light Rail station)|Mount Washington Light Rail station]] in [[Mount Washington, Baltimore|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.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.mta.maryland.gov/articles/244 |title= Transit Is Your Best Ride to the Preakness Finish Line |date= May 15, 2019 |accessdate= August 19, 2021 }}</ref>

==Notable people==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦---> 
*[[Joseph Leo Welsh]], orchestra conductor, oddsmaker, and celebrity turf accountant

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.pimlico.com/ Pimlico Race Course Website]
* [http://www.preakness-stakes.info/pimlico.php Pimlico]

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{{commonscat}}
{{Preakness Stakes}}
{{Baltimore}}
{{Music venues of Maryland}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Pimlico Race Course| ]]
[[Category:Stronach Group]]
[[Category:1870 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1870]]