The 150th Preakness Stakes on May 17, 2025, is a significant event that truly straddles the past and the beginning of a new era for Maryland horse racing.
The End of an Era at Old Pimlico:
- The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes marks the final race at the historic Pimlico Race Course before it undergoes a massive $400 million reconstruction.
- Pimlico, nicknamed "Old Hilltop," has a long and storied history, having hosted the Preakness Stakes since its inception in 1873 (with some interruptions in the late 1800s and early 1900s).
It is the second oldest racetrack in the United States, after Saratoga. - Concerns about the aging facility have persisted for decades, with safety concerns leading to the closure of grandstand seats as early as 2019.
- Many involved in horse racing have a mix of emotions, with nostalgia for the great moments at Pimlico balanced by the anticipation of a modern facility that can better compete with other sports and entertainment options. Some view the old Pimlico as a symbol of the sport's failure to modernize.
A New Era Dawns with Reconstruction:
- Design concepts for the new Pimlico Race Course, set to debut in 2027, were unveiled on May 7, 2025.
- Demolition of the old track is expected to begin in June 2025, shortly after the Preakness.
- The revitalized Pimlico will feature a new clubhouse inspired by Baltimore landmarks, stables for 700 horses, event spaces, a hotel, structured parking, and workforce housing in the Park Heights neighborhood.
- The goal is to create a year-round hub of economic activity, supporting approximately 500 jobs and hosting over 100 racing days annually (compared to the current 15).
- A new, $110 million state-funded Thoroughbred training center will be built at Shamrock Farm in Woodbine, Maryland (about 20 miles west of Pimlico).
This facility will accommodate over 800 horses and include housing for backstretch workers and a training track identical in dimensions to Pimlico.
The 2026 Preakness at Laurel Park:
- Due to the ongoing reconstruction at Pimlico, the 2026 Preakness Stakes will be temporarily relocated to Laurel Park, which is about 20 miles south of Pimlico.
- Laurel Park will then undergo its own redevelopment once Pimlico is back online.
The 2025 Preakness Stakes Race:
- Despite the impending changes, the focus remains on the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
- The Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, will not be competing in the Preakness, ending any chance of a Triple Crown winner this year.
His owners are taking a conservative approach and preparing him for the Belmont Stakes. - The morning-line favorite for the Preakness is Journalism (8-5 odds), who finished second in the Kentucky Derby.
Other top contenders include Sandman (4-1) and River Thames (9-2) - Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, the winningest Preakness trainer of all time with eight victories, will saddle Goal Oriented.
- D. Wayne Lukas, who won the 2024 Preakness with Seize The Grey, will train American Promise.
- Three jockeys in the 2025 field have previously won the Preakness: John Velazquez (riding Sandman), Junior Alvarado, and Jose Ortiz (riding Clever Again).
The Future of Maryland Horse Racing:
- The extensive redevelopment plans signify a strong commitment by the state of Maryland to revitalize and modernize its horse racing industry.
- The new facilities aim to attract more fans, create jobs, and boost the local and statewide economies.
- The transition involves a new operator for Pimlico, the non-profit Maryland Jockey Club, which has taken over from 1/ST Racing.
This new structure is intended to prioritize the racing industry and the local community.
In conclusion, the 2025 Preakness Stakes is a historic event marking the end of an era for the physical structure of Pimlico Race Course. However, it also represents a significant step towards a new and modern future for horse racing in Maryland, with state-of-the-art facilities and a renewed focus on the sport's growth and economic impact. The race itself promises to be exciting, even without the Kentucky Derby winner, showcasing a talented field of three-year-old contenders.