Maryland government approves plans for Pimlico rebuild

Governor Wes Moore and the Board of Public Works approved on Wednesday a demolition package for Pimlico and the acquisition of Shamrock Farm in Carroll County to serve as the premier training center hub of thoroughbred racing in Maryland. The actions mark a critical step forward in growing local and statewide economies, in addition to promoting the future of Thoroughbred racing in the state.

“Today we take another step toward a new, reimagined Pimlico,” said Gov. Moore. “I thank my colleagues on the Board of Public Works, the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Stadium Authority, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, and our local community partners for securing the future of Preakness in Maryland. Together, we will continue to drive economic growth in Park Heights, throughout Baltimore, and across the entire state.”

During the meeting, representatives from the Maryland Stadium Authority revealed the design concept for Pimlico, which will begin demolition and restoration following Preakness 150.

“We are excited to deliver a new, modern Pimlico for racing fans and the Park Heights community,” said Maryland Stadium Authority chairman Craig Thompson. “But this work is bigger than a racetrack, as historic and important as it is. This is about bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in state investment to Park Heights and working in partnership with MEDCO and the local community to realize a shared vision for the future.”

The Maryland Stadium Authority, in partnership with The Maryland Jockey Club and the Park Heights community, will oversee the construction of the new Pimlico Race Course. The new facility will support approximately 500 jobs and will be a year-round hub of economic activity in Park Heights. Pimlico, which currently hosts about 15 racing days per year, will become the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing with well over 100 racing days annually.

The site design will also create a strong and consistent identity, with a new clubhouse inspired by grand Baltimore landmarks such as the Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park and the original Pimlico Clubhouse.

The approved acquisition of Shamrock Farm sets in motion one of the largest state investments in Carroll County in recent history, following a two-year investigation of more than eight sites across six Maryland counties. The State of Maryland will direct at least $110 million to the new training center, which will offer 328 pastoral acres to create a best-in-class training facility with more than 800 boarded horses, housing for backstretch workers, and a training track with dimensions identical to those at Pimlico.

“Two years ago, we were tasked with creating and implementing a sustainable thoroughbred racing strategy for the state,” said Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority chairman Greg Cross. “I'm proud to say that we have completed our work ahead of schedule. Pimlico is safely in state hands, we set up a nonprofit operator to run the track, and at Shamrock Farm we have the ideal location for a world-class training center.”

The Shamrock Farm acquisition is supported by the Carroll County government, which has agreed to commit $1.5 million to offset infrastructure costs.

“Carroll County is thrilled Shamrock Farm has been selected as the site for Maryland’s horse racing training facility,” said Carroll County Board of Commissioners president Kenneth A. Kiler. “Shamrock’s 328 acres combined with Carroll’s rich equestrian tradition brings well-deserved notoriety to this beautiful farm and the area. We are honored to be playing such an integral role in this long-term endeavor. The county has committed 1.5 million dollars to the state project and is looking forward to seeing the plans come to fruition.”