Preakness Tradition In Turmoil As Pimlico Faces Uncertain Future
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Baffert Feels Moving Preakness From
Pimlico Would Be Bad For Racing |
Saturday's Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Maryland marks the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, but some "wonder whether the ancient traditions of Pimlico and the Preakness are doomed," according to ESPN.com's Pat Forde, who wrote under the header, "Preakness Is A Tradition In Turmoil." Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC) in February filed for bankruptcy protection and has expressed interest in selling the track. Trainer Bob Baffert said if the Preakness relocated from Pimlico, "we'd kill the classics." Baffert: "It just wouldn't be the same. I just can't see Baltimore losing this track. ... It would be horrible for racing." There has been talk of moving the Preakness to the state's other big thoroughbred track, Laurel Park, "which has the vast majority of the state's racing dates." But Forde noted Laurel "could not handle crowds anywhere near the size of those the Preakness draws." The track's record attendance of "just over 40,000 was set more than half a century ago" (ESPN.com, 5/14).
GETTING ON TRACK: In Baltimore, Hanah Cho notes Saturday's Preakness "could be the last one" under MEC's ownership, and the state has "had discussions with at least a dozen potential buyers, including local, national and international parties, who know of Maryland's interest in keeping" the race in the state. Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development Secretary Christian Johansson, whose agency has been charged with maintaining the race, said, "When all of this shakes out, there will be interested parties in (the Maryland) assets. Our objective is that the Preakness stays right here in Baltimore." CNET Founder Halsey Minor, who has expressed interest in buying the track, Thursday said that he has had discussions with MEC's creditors "to craft a proposal that would maintain the integrity and value of Magna's racetracks as opposed to a 'fire sale.'" Maryland Racing Commission Chair John Franzone said that MEC Chair Frank Stronach "could be interested in the Maryland tracks, particularly since slot machine parlors are on their way here." Franzone: "We're going to have a very qualified owner when the smoke clears whether it's Stronach or another. ... The Preakness will stay in Maryland" (Baltimore SUN, 5/15). Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association lobbyist Gerry Evans said, "I sincerely doubt we'll see the Preakness leave Maryland. It's a Super Bowl in Baltimore. It's a phenomenal experience, and we can't allow that to slip through our fingers" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 5/15).
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Fans No Longer Allowed To
Bring Beverages Into Infield |
DOWN THE STRETCH: Maryland Jockey Club President & COO Tom Chuckas said that he "expects the recession to depress ticket sales" for Saturday's Preakness by about 10-12%. In DC, Michael Drost reports advance ticket sales were down about 17% from last year, while sponsorship revenue is down about 10% (WASHINGTON TIMES, 5/15). In a front-page piece for the Baltimore SUN, Jill Rosen notes Pimlico officials have "prohibited spectators from bringing any beverages" to the track's infield for Saturday's race, but Chuckas would not say how much of the ticket decline is a result of the infield. Chukas said, "I can appreciate a party as much as anyone. The idea that this won't be a party anymore is a fallacy. It's just a different kind of party." But Maryland state Delegate Todd Schuler, who opposed the prohibition, said, "We're not the genteel Kentucky Derby, and I don't think we should aspire to be" (Baltimore SUN, 5/15).
SADDLE UP: SI.com's Tim Layden wrote Saturday's Preakness is "one of the most compelling horse races in many years." While five horses in the past ten years have won the first two legs of the Triple Crown, "seldom in recent history has there been a race that brings together multiple angles like Saturday's Preakness." The Kentucky Derby earlier this month on NBC earned its best TV rating in 17 years, and the Preakness "could be better" (SI.com, 5/14).
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