Corporate Name: Maryland Jockey Club of Baltimore City, Inc.
Mailing Address: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland 21215
Street Address: Hayward & Winner Avenues, Baltimore, Maryland 21215 (click for map)
Telephone: (410) 542-9400
Fax: (410) 466-2521; Media Relations: (410) 466-5622; Simulcasting: (410) 664‑0970
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pimlico.com
Historic Pimlico Race Course was once again the site of a memorable Preakness Stakes in 2015 when American Pharoah splashed his way under a charcoal sky and driving rain to victory on his way to racing’s first Triple Crown in 37 years.
It was just the latest remarkable achievement at Pimlico, first opened on October 25, 1870, making it the second oldest racetrack in the nation. A record crowd of 131,680 witnessed American Pharoah’s victory in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, topping the previous mark of 123,469 set in 2014. The day before the 140th Preakness, Black-Eyed Susan Day – featuring Pimlico’s Ultimate Girls Day Out to celebrate the spirit and strength of women – drew a crowd of 42,700 fans, a 23-percent increase from 2014, while total handle was up 63 percent.
Along with featuring world-class racing and horsemen, Preakness Week is also host to InfieldFest, which has become one of the country’s most eclectic music festivals, featuring two stages and unique attractions. InfieldFest has played host to such artists as Lorde, Zac Brown, Maroon 5, Armin van Buuren, Florida Georgia Line, Bruno Mars, Pitbull, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
The Alibi Breakfast, held on the Thursday morning of Preakness Week, has been a tradition since the 1930s, when a group of trainers, owners and greater and lesser dignitaries would gather in the mornings to expound upon the merits of their horses. Today’s Alibi features a gathering of media, celebrities, owners, trainers, breeders and jockeys to celebrate the Preakness, solicit interesting race predictions, and recognize those who have made significant contributions to the racing industry.
Along with American Pharoah’s impressive victory in the Preakness, Pimlico played host to Keen Pauline winning the 91st running of the Black-Eyed Susan, Commissioner taking the 45th Pimlico Special, and Stopchargingmaria, winner of the 2014 Black-Eyed Susan, returning to win the Allaire DuPont Distaff.
Pimlico continued its history of philanthropy in 2015 with Canter for the Cause, a popular event in which 275 professional and amateur riders walked, trotted or cantered their horses and ponies across historic Pimlico to raise awareness and funds for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Susan G. Komen in Maryland.
Pimlico has played host to racing icons for more than a century and has played host to legendary horses such as Man o’ War, Sir Barton, Citation, Secretariat, Spectacular Bid and Cigar.
The match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral in the 1938 Pimlico Special was voted “Race of the Century.” More than 40,000 turned out for the event and President Franklin D. Roosevelt halted proceedings during a cabinet meeting so a radio could be brought in to hear the call.
In July 2002, Magna Entertainment (now The Stronach Group) purchased Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park, which are operated under the trade name Maryland Jockey Club, from the De Francis family.
Corporate Officials: Frank Stronach, Belinda Stronach, Mike Rogers, Tim Ritvo
Executive Officials: Sal Sinatra, Vice President and General Manager; Doug Illig, Chief Financial Officer
Vice President of Racing, Racing Secretary: Georganne Hale
Vice President, Wagering & Simulcast Operations: Dave Scheing
Vice President of Marketing: Carrie Everly
Vice President of Communications/Media Relations: David Joseph
Director of Horsemen’s Relations: Phoebe Hayes
Track Announcer: Dave Rodman
Track Caterer: (410) 542-9127
Nearest City: Within city limits of Baltimore; metropolitan area population of more than 2 million
Track Data: 1-mile loam oval with 6-furlong chute and 1¼-mile chutes; length of stretch from last turn to finish line, 1,152 feet; turf course installed in 1954 and maintained at four to five inches during racing season
Price of Admission: (Except Preakness Day) grandstand and clubhouse, $3; reserved box seats, upper & lower, $2.50
Seating Accommodations: 14,852; estimated 100,000 for Preakness with infield and standing room
Dress Requirements for Clubhouse: Proper attire for ladies and gentlemen
Parking Facilities: Capacity, 6,000; general, free; preferred, $3; clubhouse, $2, valet $1 additional
Nearest Airport to Baltimore City: Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) 12 miles from Pimlico