Pimlico Horseracing
Pimlico Race Course is a legendary thoroughbred horse racetrack located in Baltimore, Maryland. As the traditional home of the Preakness Stakes—the second jewel of horse racing's prestigious Triple Crown—it stands as one of the most culturally significant and storied sports venues in America.
In addition to the world-famous Preakness, Pimlico proudly hosts a lineup of major stakes races, including:
- The Pimlico Special
- The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes
- The Federico Tesio Stakes
- The Jim McKay Breeders' Cup Handicap
The New Pimlico: A Modern Revitalization
To secure the future of Maryland racing, Pimlico is undergoing a massive, state-backed $400 million redevelopment. This project will transform the historic site into a state-of-the-art, year-round racing facility and a vibrant community destination.
Development Timeline
- Project Commencement: Demolition officially began in July 2025, shortly after the facility hosted the historic 150th running of the Preakness Stakes. Initial work focused on clearing the aging grandstands and backstretch structures.
- Under Construction (2026): Structural rebuilding and site infrastructure are actively underway. While construction progresses, day-to-day racing operations have temporarily relocated to Laurel Park.
- Target Reopening:
- May 2027 (Initial Reopening): The track is scheduled to temporarily reopen to host the 152nd Preakness Stakes.
- May 2028 (Grand Opening): The completed, brand-new permanent clubhouse, hotel, and multipurpose event spaces are projected to officially debut in time for the 153rd Preakness Stakes.
Pimlico Racecourse Records - Dirt Track
| Distance | Time | Horse | Age | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Furlongs | 0:47.40 | Gavotte | 2 | May 4, 1925 |
| 4 1/2 Furlongs | 0:51.40 | Countess Diana | 2 | June 6, 1997 |
| 5 Furlongs | 0:56.40 | Kingmaker | 4 | September 27, 2003 |
| 5 1/2 Furlongs | 1:03.60 | Season's Flair | 2 | July 25, 1995 |
| 6 Furlongs | 1:09.00 | Northern Wolf / Forest Wildcat / Xtra Heat / Diabolical / Latana Mob | Mixed | Multiple (Last: May 17, 2008) |
| 7 Furlongs | 1:26.00 | Zeus | 3 | May 3, 1921 |
| 1 Mile | 1:37.60 | June Grass | 4 | May 2, 1923 |
| 1 1/16 Miles | 1:40.80 | Deputed Testamony / Poor But Honest | 4 / 5 | May 19, 1984 / Sept 9, 1995 |
| 1 1/8 Miles | 1:47.20 | Private Terms | 4 | May 27, 1989 |
| 1 3/16 Miles | 1:52.40 | Farma Way | 4 | May 11, 1991 |
| 1 1/4 Miles | 2:01.80 | Manzotti | 5 | March 19, 1988 |
| 1 1/2 Miles | 2:29.40 | War Trophy | 6 | November 8, 1948 |
Pimlico Racecourse Records – Turf Course
| Distance | Time | Horse | Age | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Furlongs | 0:55.66 | Ageless | 6 | May 16, 2015 |
| 7 Furlongs | 1:23.20 | Lofty Peak | 4 | May 14, 1956 |
| 1 Mile | 1:33.40 | North East Bound | 4 | May 7, 2000 |
| 1 1/16 Miles | 1:40.32 | Precious Kitten | 4 | May 19, 2007 |
| 1 1/8 Miles | 1:46.34 | Mr O'Brien | 5 | May 15, 2004 |
| 1 3/16 Miles | 2:01.00 | Bayard Park | 4 | May 7, 1966 |
| 1 3/8 Miles | 2:13.60 | Dunsinyne | 4 | June 22, 1997 |
| 1 1/2 Miles | 2:27.40 | Fort Marcy | 6 | May 9, 1970 |
Pimlico Race Track Facts
- Loam Track
- Length of stretch from last turn to finish line : 1,152 feet
- Width of track : 70 feet
- Has a six-furlong and 1 ¼ mile chutes
- 7/8 of a mile inside main track
- Has an aluminum inner rail
- A mixture of sandy clay loam, 65% turf type tall fescue, 25% turf type perennial ryegrass, and 10% blue grass.
- Grass height is maintained at four to five inches during racing season.
- New Grandstand: 5,692
- Old Grandstand: 5,296
- Clubhouse: 1,269
- Total Daily Seating Capacity: 13,047
- Standing Room (estimated): 22,000
- Infield Capacity (estimated): 60,000
Turf Course
Grass Course
Pimlico Race Track Capacity
History of Pimlico Race Track
On a late summer evening dinner party in 1868 in Saratoga, an agreement among sportsmen to stage a special race became the foundation for the establishment of both the Pimlico Race Track and the Preakness Stakes.
Governor Oden Bowie of Maryland, a horseman and racing entrepreneur, pledged to build a new racetrack for a proposed stake race to be run in the fall of 1870 for three-year old colts and fillies at two miles. John Hunter, a prominent citizen of New York, proposed that it be known as the Dinner Party Stakes in honor of the evening. The governor then perked up the gathering by offering a purse of $15,000, a staggering sum in those days.
Thus, with Governor Bowie's help, the Maryland Jockey Club negotiated for the acreage known as Pimlico Race Track that same year. The new course, engineered by Gen. John Elliott, opened on October 25, 1870 and the Dinner Party Stakes was run. It was won by the colt Preakness who beat among others, Governor Bowie's fillie, My Maryland.
Nevertheless, Bowie had the satisfaction of putting Baltimore on the thoroughbred racing map with the Dinner Party Stakes and naming the eventual second jewel of the Triple Crown as the Preakness. The Dinner Party Stakes went on to become the Dixie Handicap (now known as the Early Times Dixie), the eighth oldest stakes in America, run annually at Pimlico Race Track.