From a Maryland Jockey Club release
The Maryland Jockey Club announced today it will offer a $3.7 million stakes schedule this spring at Pimlico Race Course, highlighted by the $1.5 million Preakness (G1), $250,000 Black-Eyed Susan (G2), and $300,000 Pimlico Special (G3).
The 141st Preakness, the middle jewel of racing’s Triple Crown to be held Saturday, May 21, will be one of eight stakes races on the day – four graded – including the $250,000 Longines Dixie Stakes (G2), the $150,000 Gallorette Stakes (G3) and the $150,000 Maryland Sprint Stakes (G3).
The Black-Eyed Susan will highlight a program of seven stakes Friday, May 20 that includes the Pimlico Special and Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes (G3). The 28-day meet, which kicks off Thursday, May 12, will also include the $100,000 Stormy Blues Stakes Saturday, June 4.
Preakness Week at Pimlico includes several events, including Sunrise at Old Hilltop, the Alibi Breakfast, the Ultimate Girls Day Out, and InfieldFest, one of the country’s most eclectic outdoor music festivals.
“We’re very excited about the Pimlico meet this year,” said Maryland Jockey Club President and General Manager Sal Sinatra. “The racing during Preakness Week at Pimlico promises to once again be highlighted by champions and Hall of Fame horsemen, and the energy that comes from the more than 300,000 people who visit our facility that weekend for Sunrise at Old Hilltop, the Ultimate Girls Day Out, InfieldFest and all the parties is incredible.
“We’re honored to partner with so many great companies and individuals in Baltimore, the state of Maryland and surrounding areas to showcase Thoroughbred racing at Pimlico this spring, and we believe fans will be happy with the improvements to the facility we have made.”
A new LED, high-definition board – measuring 21-feet high and 32-feet wide – has been installed in the infield. Meanwhile, after suffering a loss in water pressure during Preakness Day last year due to a water main break, a main booster pump has been installed to prevent another loss in pressure. Pimlico will also have several new concessions and bar layouts, and offerings will be reconfigured to accommodate guests in a more timely manner.
