Pimlico Plus: An opportunity for Baltimore and Park Heights neighborhood

In January 2024, the Authority recommended a new plan for Maryland racing, called Pimlico Plus. [Read the plan.]

Pimlico Plus centers the state's racing industry at its historic home in northern Baltimore. The Pimlico property would be completely redeveloped and would include parcels that will allow for a new hotel and garages. A new right-sized clubhouse facility would be reconfigurable and could flex for larger events. The Pimlico track would be reoriented and constructed to allow horses to race on a synthetic surface for maximum safety. Housing for track workers would be constructed in the community, and Pimlico would stable about 650 horses. Approximately 140-160 racing days per year would take place at Pimlico. A new horse training facility would be constructed in Maryland at a location to be determined, with stables for 700 horses.

Analysis shows that the plan can be achieved using resources already approved by the Maryland General Assembly, including $375 million in bonding authority authorized by the Racing and Community Development Act of 2020 and other existing racetrack renewal funds.

This plan offers the best path forward, at the most affordable cost, to create a best-in-class racing environment, sustain a critical state industry and align the interests of all stakeholders.

Benefits for Baltimore and surrounding communities include:

Full-year Economic Activity at Pimlico: A reconstructed Pimlico course would host approximately 140 to 160 live racing days per year, the number believed to be needed in Maryland to ensure future viability of the racing industry. Racing and daily training will provide year-round economic activity, entertainment and jobs for the Park Heights community.
Workforce Housing Investment: With horses and track facilities in need of daily care, training and maintenance, nearby affordable housing for track workers such as riders, hot-walkers and grooms is vital. In the Pimlico Plus plan, housing would be constructed in Baltimore neighborhoods through an investment of funds (targeted at $10 million-$20 million) in partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
Community Recognition: The build-out of these components would take place in recognition of the Pimlico Redevelopment Community Compact. Community interests surrounding Pimlico Race Course are integrally entwined with the future of the 140-acre site, and any redevelopment should take community needs and interests into account.

A jewel in the Triple Crown – The Preakness and Pimlico

The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, is one of the most-viewed and most-anticipated sporting events in the United States and a showpiece for Maryland and Baltimore. Sadly, the facilities at Pimlico no longer match the reputation of the event and lag behind other Triple Crown hosts that are each currently investing hundreds of millions of dollars in their facilities. The Pimlico Plus plan will responsibly elevate Pimlico facilities to serve as an appropriate home for the second leg of the Triple Crown.

This plan will preserve the economic value of the Preakness, which includes:

$52.7 million in state economic activity, including $48.8 million in Baltimore City
488 statewide jobs supported, resulting in $33.4 million in labor income
$3.9 million in combined state and local government revenues

Horse Health and Safety

Maryland has historically been a leader in equine health and safety, and the Authority and the Maryland equine industry are working closely with the U.S. Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to develop and implement best practices at Maryland facilities.

An Equine Health, Safety and Research Center had been studied and scoped for inclusion as part of a Pimlico redevelopment plan, with services including biometric analysis, imaging and the availability of triaging veterinarian care to be present at both the rebuilt Pimlico and a proposed new training center.

National Jockey Club data shows significantly reduced injury rates for horses that race and train on synthetic tracks. The Pimlico redevelopment will be designed to allow for the installation of a synthetic track surface, as may be recommended nationally by the HISA Blue Ribbon Commission.