Preparation for Saturday's Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course comes "against a backdrop of great optimism -- and some uncertainty" -- for Maryland's 272-year-old racing industry, according to Childs Walker of the Baltimore SUN. The uncertainty lies with the Stronach Group's "long-term plans," as the track owner could look at a "possible shift of the Preakness to a revamped Laurel Park, one of many scenarios under discussion." The future of Pimlico, an "outdated facility that would be difficult to renovate, has long been in question." As Stronach "looks to make its Maryland operation profitable," Laurel's proximity to the DC market "makes it a potentially attractive spot in which to consolidate racing." But the Preakness' "long, lucrative history at Pimlico would make that difficult for many to swallow." Stronach COO Tim Ritvo said, "Obviously, it stays in the state of Maryland. If we moved it from its historic site, we would get beat up a bit. But could we pull off a good event at Laurel? Yes." Ritvo and Maryland Jockey Club VP & GM Sal Sinatra said that Stronach's focus is "firmly on Maryland after years spent revamping its tracks in Florida and California." Ritvo said, "It is Maryland's turn. The state has been kind of neglected, but now, it's our No. 1 priority." Ritvo, who has been based in the state most of the year, added, "Everything is on the table." But Walker noted the possibility that the Preakness could move is "sure to be a troubling thought for Baltimore officials and racing traditionalists." Beyond a "possible consolidation of tracks, Stronach officials are looking to establish a regional circuit with Delaware and possibly Virginia that would reduce scheduling conflicts and, they hope, create larger, more talented pools of horses to attract bettors" (Baltimore SUN, 5/10).
A WELCOMED DISTRACTION: In Baltimore, Peter Schmuck writes, "From a national image standpoint, Preakness week couldn't have come at a better time for a city ravaged by the civil unrest that followed the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody." Preakness officials "do not expect any unusual security issues for Pimlico Race Course's two biggest race days of the year." So, if all goes well, the sports world "will get to see a much different Baltimore than it witnessed from afar on the day the Orioles played to an empty house" (Baltimore SUN, 5/11).
