Gov. Moore And Co. Talk Pimlico Demo, Training Facility And Concept Art

[Wandering Eyes]

With new plans unveiled for a redesigned Pimlico Race Course by the Maryland Stadium Authority, Governor Wes Moore and the Board of Public Works approved a demolition package for the track after next week's GI Preakness Stakes and also the acquisition of Shamrock Farm in Carroll County as the state's new training center hub, according a Wednesday press release from the governor's office.

“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.

“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 new Pimlico grandstand | Maryland Stadium Authority

The Maryland Stadium Authority–in partnership with The Maryland Jockey Club and the Park Heights community–will oversee the construction of Pimlico. 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 centers around a new clubhouse inspired by Baltimore landmarks such as the Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park and the original grandstand.

The new Pimlico stretch | Maryland Stadium Authority

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 acres to create a training facility with more than 800 boarded horses, housing for backstretch workers and a training track with dimensions identical to those at Pimlico.

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

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