The display of Pimlico treasures. (Sally Eck/Facebook)
“Pimlico Preservation Project” raises funds for Aftercare at the Maryland State Fair
Compiled by Maribeth Kalinich
Although Pimlico Race Course is disappearing one piece at a time you could still get pieces of Pimlico’s past at the Maryland State Fair in Timonium, Md. this weekend while supporting a good cause.
The Pimlico Preservation Project was open for business at the BIG T (the nick name for racing at Timonium) on the lower level grandstand with loads of Pimlico/Preakness & Racing Momorabilia.
The sale provided fans and Pimlicophiles a wide assortment of classic collectables such as silks, saddle cloths, apparel and even Peb posters!
The items rescued from Pimlico were donated by The Maryland Jockey Club Inc., and with over $6000 in donations, 100% of proceeds will go to Maryland Thoroughbred aftercare organizations.
Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue, the Foxie G Foundation, After the Races and Beyond the Wire are the participating aftercare organizations.
Laurie Calhoun from Foxie G was on hand at the Fair to tell supporters of their aftercare mission.
“We are overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity and appreciation of Pimlico and the Preakness. Hi Ho Pimlico!!,” said Sally Eck on Facebook.
The Maryland State Fair, that closed today, featured live horse racing on its historic half-mile oval over the past several weekends. Friday was Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame day, with Smart Angle and Caveat being inducted. The nine-race program was highlighted by two Maryland-restricted allowance contests.
Each day with racing there was a $50 Grooms Award given for the best turned out horse.
There were fancy braids with pompoms, tails were braided, and one horse entered the walking ring with a half sheet with fringes.
On College Day, the Grooms Award was $100. Because the grooms did such an excellent job and it was too hard to distinguish first from second, it was called it a ‘dead heat’ and both grooms were awarded $50.
“Grooms deserve recognition for all their hard work and loyalty to the horse they’re charged to,” said Sally Eck.
The Fair’s annual Horseland gave fans a taste of horse with a dash of racing. Fans could ride the Equicizer and learn about the horse industry in Maryland. And mascot Blinkers was on hand to interact with fans both young and old.
Also featured was the Rescue Dog Dash where everyone was a winner, and all competitors were available for adoption. We thank Cathy West at Kuddles and Kisses K9 Rescue for the pups.
“A successful day at the Timonium Fairgrounds with Puppy Yoga and Puppy Races,” Cathy West remarked on Facebook.
“The Pimlico Preservation Project would like to thank all the racing and non-racing fans who have come to the Big T and support our fundraising efforts supporting TB Aftercare. Thanks to the Maryland State Fair, Georgeanne Hale, Fran Burns, Sallyellen Hurst, Sally Eck and a host of other people!!!!” posted Robin Coblyn on Facebook.
Thoroughbred horse racing is featured at the State Fair as part of the showcased agricultural programs.
The horse industry has a total economic state impact of $2.9 Billion and supports over 28,000 jobs. 30% of Maryland households contain horse enthusiasts and 10,000 youths are served by horse related educational programs.
