MRC Signs Off on State Study of Pimlico

By the time a dozen or so horses hit the first turn at Pimlico Race Course in the May 21 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), the Maryland Stadium Authority study on the future of the historic track may also be nearing its first turn.

The Maryland Racing Commission April 19 gave its sign-off to the study, unanimously empowering chairman John McDaniel to represent the commission in its oversight role as the study goes forward. The study has been in the works for some time, but various approvals were required.

"In my judgment, this is probably one of the most important items we'll be engaged with going forward," McDaniel said.

The two-phase, $280,000 study is intended to analyze the current state of the Pimlico site, determine options for how to make it a viable long-term home for racing—the Preakness in particular—and to "guide the state in the extent of its potential support for renovating Old Hilltop," according to MRC member Bruce Quade.

The study will be paid for with funds contributed by the stadium authority itself, the Maryland Jockey Club, and the Baltimore Development Corporation, which describes itself as a nonprofit organization that "serves as the economic development agency for the city of Baltimore."

The first phase of the study will be a facilities assessment. At that point, the MRC will determine whether to proceed with the second phase, which is to provide development alternatives.

The Pimlico facility has been a matter of concern in the racing community for years, and that concern spiked last year at Preakness time when MJC officials hinted that its days might be numbered. Yet, because of the economic clout of the Preakness--and the political clout of Baltimore City at the statehouse--moving the Preakness and shuttering Pimlico aren't just business decisions. They have a substantial political dimension, too.

There emerged during the recently completed Maryland legislative session what one source called a "battle of studies," with numerous proposals floated. But, as Quade said during the racing commission meeting: "Who better (to conduct such a study) than the stadium authority?"

Created in 1986 as a response to the Baltimore Colts' midnight ride out of town, the Maryland Stadium Authority has taken charge of numerous projects throughout the state, among them Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Baltimore Ravens' M&T Bank Stadium.

"Our goal is to start the study as soon as the stadium authority meets May 3," McDaniel said.

This story was provided courtesy of The Racing Biz