Pimlico Race Course could see up to $180M in upgrades if the legislation passesGETTY IMAGES
Maryland lawmakers introduced legislation that would authorize up to $375M in debt to "rebuild the state's two largest racetracks and keep the storied Preakness Stakes horse race in Baltimore," according to a front-page piece by Luke Broadwater of the BALTIMORE SUN. The legislation would provide at least $180M for work "at or near the Pimlico Race Course" in Baltimore and $155M at Laurel Park in Anne Arundel County. A House of Delegates version of the bill is "likely to be introduced later this week." The legislation has "been in the works for months, ever since the city of Baltimore and The Stronach Group, which controls racing in Maryland, reached a deal last fall to end a fractious dispute that had the company threatening to move the race to Laurel and the city suing to seize Pimlico and take control of the Preakness." The parties "envision the bond money going not only for the Pimlico track and community redevelopment, but also for The Stronach Group's track at Laurel Park." Laurel would receive a "new clubhouse and training facilities, along with new stables and new housing for backstretch workers." The thoroughbred industry's Maryland training and stable operations "would be consolidated there" (BALTIMORE SUN, 2/4).
