From a Maryland Jockey Club release
Live racing in Maryland shifts to historic Pimlico Race Course Thursday, April 3 for the spring meeting. The headline event of the 35-day stand is the 139th running of the $1.5 million Preakness® Stakes (G1), the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, on May 17.
Live racing takes place four days a week on a Thursday through Sunday schedule prior to Preakness and then Friday, Saturday and Sunday (plus Memorial Day). The meet will end on June 7, Belmont Stakes Day.
The opening day card features nine races, including the first two on the turf this year. First post is 1:10 p.m.
“There is a special feeling about Pimlico because of Preakness weekend but the entire meet is important to us,” said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. “We are excited to use the new and improved turf course on opening day and throughout the meet. Grass racing usually means larger fields and improved handle.”
The marquee meet of the Maryland racing season will feature 25 stakes races for purses totaling $4,680,000.
Preakness day will have nine added money races, including four graded events. In addition to the Preakness, the card features the $400,000 Dixie Handicap (G2) and two Grade 3 races. 2014 Preakness InfieldFest will be headlined by Grammy winner Lorde. Additional information can be found on www.preakness.com.
The Preakness eve card features eight stakes races, headlined by the $500,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) and the $300,000 Pimlico Special (G3). The Ultimate Girls Day Out also includes the $50,000 Xpressbet Hall of Fame Jockey Challenge and the fifth annual Lady Legends For the Cure Race™. Counting Crows and The Fray will headline an afternoon concert in the infield. Additional information can be found at www.blackeyedsusanday.com.
In addition, Pimlico will debut a $100,000 trainer bonus on Preakness weekend. Trainers will earn points based on finishes in 15 stakes races May 16-17.
- May 16—Black-Eyed Susan (G2), Pimlico Special (G3), Miss Preakness, Jim McKay Turf Sprint, Hilltop, Skipat, Rollicking
- May 17—Preakness (G1), Dixie (G2), Maryland Sprint (G3), Gallorette (G3), Chick Lang, James Murphy, Sir Barton, The Very One
Trainers will receive points for finishing first (10 points), second (7), third (5), fourth (3) and starting a horse (1 point) in each race. The winner will earn $50,000. Other prize money: $25,000 (second), $12,000 (third), $7,000 (fourth), $4,000 (fifth) and $2,000 (sixth). Trainers must have started five horses in the stakes combined to be eligible.
SPRING PROMOTIONS
Thursday, April 3–Opening Day
Celebrate the return of live racing with free admission and a complimentary live program
Saturday, April 5–Opening Saturday
Apron BBQ, free Pimlico souvenir cup giveaway good for $3 domestic drafts for entire meet (excluding May 16-17) and chances to win upcoming Pimlico event tickets
Sunday, April 6–Chasin’ for Children
Kids compete on ponies in five events between races
Sunday Brunch–April 6-June 1
Old Hilltop’s famous brunch buffet with the exception of April 20 and May 18 when live racing does not occur
Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13–Decanter Wine Festival
Fourth annual celebration of Maryland wine and Maryland racing. More info at www.decanterwinefestival.com
Saturday, May 3–Kentucky Derby Day
Party on the apron
Saturday, May 10–Canter for the Cure
Equine enthusiasts have an opportunity to ride their horses around the famed Pimlico main track
Sunday, May 11–Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch
Tuesday, May 13 through Friday, May 16–Sunrise at Old Hilltop
See the Preakness contenders prepare for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown as fans get the opportunity to watch morning workouts and tour the stable area. Admission is free for the 6-9 a.m. event
Saturday, May 31–Racing 101
An all-day fan education experience. Advance ticket purchase required
Saturday, June 7–Brew and Bourbon Classic
Beer tasting, bourbon sipping, music and live racing. More info at www.brewandbourbonclassic.com
