The ownership group oversaw a $39M investment into clubhouse upgrades and stable repairs at Laurel ParkLAUREL PARK
The Stronach Group, which owns Maryland's two largest horse racing tracks, has spent nearly 90% of its state renovation subsidies to "pay for improvements at Laurel Park rather than at Baltimore's rundown Pimlico Race Course," according to a front-page piece by Doug Donovan of the BALTIMORE SUN. Stronach Group has received $22.5M from Maryland's Racetrack Facilities Renewal program, which the company matched "as required by law, using the program to pay" for $45M in renovations. Of that $45M, $39M "went to clubhouse upgrades and stable repairs at Laurel Park," while just $6M was "spent at Pimlico, where it paid for Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and electrical improvements." Maryland State Delegate Sandy Rosenberg said that is a "clear example" of Stronach Group's "disinvestment in Pimlico." While Baltimore officials have been "pushing for a major rebuilding of Pimlico," Stronach Group has been "supporting legislation in Annapolis that would use state slot machine revenue to help pay for a 'super track' at Laurel what would eventually host the Preakness." Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh yesterday "reiterated her position," asking local lawmakers to "reject the Stronach-supported legislation." The Maryland Racing Commission has "approved Stronach's use of its state funding, and Stronach officials say the company's spending is fairly divided based on the number of racing days held at each track: 157 at Laurel, 12 at Pimlico" (BALTIMORE SUN, 2/26).
LOCAL LOGIC: In Baltimore, Sarah Meehan noted DJs Diplo and Kygo are "among the headliners" for this year's Preakness InfieldFest on May 18, alongside rappers Logic and Juice Wrld. DJs Fisher and Frank Walker "will also perform" at InfieldFest. Logic, a Maryland native, will "add some local sound to the infield stage" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 2/25).
