The transfer of owernship of Pimlico Race Course from The Stronach Group to the state of Maryland was set to take place July 1.

And in a letter to horsemen, Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) acting president Mike Rogers has set forth key deadlines in the coming months, according to a post on the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association website.

Next up: the closure of Pimlico to all racing, training, and wagering activities September 1.

Rogers’ letter, sent to MTHA president Katy Voss and vice-president Tim Keefe, says that the MJC is “committed to supporting a smooth and efficient transition process from Pimlico to Laurel Park.”

That transition includes not only the movement of numerous training operations from Pimlico to Laurel Park but also arranging housing for dozens of backstretch workers.

Under the legislation signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore (D) earlier this year, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) will take control of day-to-day racing beginning January 1, 2025. Day-to-day racing will take place at Laurel Park throughout 2025 and 2026 and into 2027.

The 2025 Preakness, which is scheduled to be the race’s 150^th running, will take place at Pimlico, while the 2026 Preakness will be run at Laurel. The Preakness is expected to take place in 2027 at Pimlico, which will then be the permanent home of Maryland racing. While the Stronach Group will maintain ownership of the Preakness-related intellectual property, the MTROA will, after a transition period, lease that property to run the Preakness at the renovated Pimlico.

According to the MTHA website, Rogers’ letter is as follows:

“We are writing to inform you of the upcoming changes at Pimlico Race Course, marking a significant step in our commitment to the future of Thoroughbred racing in Maryland and to enhancing the economic vitality of the Park Heights community. Following the recent approval by the Board of Public Works, led by Governor Wes Moore, significant developments including the transition of ownership and operational adjustments are set to take place.

“On July 1, 2024, ownership of Pimlico Race Course will officially be transferred from The Stronach Group to the state of Maryland. This crucial arrangement not only secures the Preakness Stakes’ continued presence in Baltimore but also establishes Pimlico as the permanent hub for year-round Thoroughbred racing in Maryland. In conjunction with this transfer, a strategic investment of $10 million will be directed through the Department of Housing and Community Development to enhance housing, employment training, and workforce development in the Park Heights area.

“For the Maryland Thoroughbred Racing Operating Authority and the Maryland Stadium Authority to move ahead with these changes, effective Sept. 1, 2024, all racing, training and wagering operations at Pimlico Race Course will cease. This closure includes all customer-facing activities and the backstretch.”

The letter noted the following effective dates:

July 1, 2024: Transfer of ownership of Pimlico Race Course from The Stronach Group to the state of Maryland/MTROA.

July 1, 2024: Notice of closure issued by The Stronach Group.

Sept. 1, 2024: All racing, training and wagering operations at Pimlico Race Course will cease. This closure includes all customer facing activities and the backstretch.

Fall of 2024: Maryland Stadium Authority expected to begin site work and demolition.

Jan. 1, 2025: Day-to-day racing and training operations at Pimlico and Laurel Park transferred from The Stronach Group to the state of Maryland/MTROA.

May 17, 2025: Preakness 150 to be celebrated at Pimlico Race Course.

“We are committed to supporting a smooth and efficient transition process from Pimlico to Laurel Park. To facilitate this, we ask that all matters concerning stall allocations at Laurel Park be coordinated directly with MJC Racing Secretary Jillian Tullock ([email protected]).

“Additionally, for arrangements regarding dormitory room allocations, please work with MTHA Executive Director David Richardson ([email protected]), who will assist in accommodating impacted personnel.

‘During the transition period, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of operation and horse care and safety at all our facilities. You may reach out to my office directly ([email protected]) or MTROA Executive Director Marc Broady ([email protected]) should you have any questions or require further information.

“The benefits of this agreement to the state of Maryland and Maryland Thoroughbred racing industry are significant. The Stronach Group is proud to have worked with Gov. Wes Moore, Greg Cross and the team at the MTROA on this plan. On behalf of The Stronach Group, we look forward to continuing to work with the MTHA and Maryland racing stakeholders for many years to come. Thank you for your continued support.”

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