Governor leads ceremony. (TMJC Photo)
Governor Moore Marks Critical Milestone for Historic Facility’s Revitalization During Demolition Ceremony
Office of the Governor Press Release
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore today attended the demolition ceremony for the Clubhouse at Pimlico Race Course in Park Heights, Baltimore. The demolition marks a significant stage in the redevelopment of the Pimlico Race Course into a best-in-class facility, and the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing—elevating Maryland’s status as a premiere tourism and sports entertainment destination. Demolition will be completed by the end of this year, with new racecourse construction beginning by early 2026.
“For this to be Maryland’s Decade, it has to be Baltimore’s Time,” said Gov. Moore. “We’ve been very clear that our work to revitalize Pimlico is about more than a racetrack—it’s also about spurring economic growth and driving community development in Park Heights. Together, we are proving that we don’t have to choose between supercharging key state assets and leaving no one behind. We can, and we will, do both.”
Governor and First Lady Moore were joined by Maryland Stadium Authority Board of Directors Chairman Craig Thompson, Pimlico Community Advisory Board Chairman Bishop Troy Randall, members of the Maryland General Assembly and Baltimore City Council, as well as stakeholders from across Maryland for the ceremony.
“Today marks the next leg of our journey to secure the future of horse racing in Maryland, as the reimagined Pimlico will create jobs, grow our economy, and generate a year-round hub of economic activity for Park Heights and for all of Baltimore,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “When our people win, Maryland wins. As co-chair of the Preakness Festival, I am proud to be part of this moment together in partnership with our state, local, and community leaders.”
The new facility will support over 500 jobs, and go from hosting approximately 15 racing days per year to becoming the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing with more than 100 racing days annually. As the centerpiece of Maryland’s Thoroughbred racing industry—which sustains more than 28,000 jobs and has generated approximately $3 billion in economic impact—the new Pimlico Race Course will be a year-round hub of economic activity for Park Heights, surrounding communities, and Baltimore City.
“As someone who grew up in Park Heights, down the road from Pimlico, this project is especially significant to me,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This is hopefully the start of a new era of events and engagement at this site, where residents and visitors alike can experience everything Park Heights has to offer.”
In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue $400 million in bonds to redevelop the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The legislature also authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to construct a new horseracing training facility, which will be at Shamrock Farm in Carroll County. The new training ground will offer 328 pastoral acres to create a best-in-class training facility with more than 800 boarded horses, housing for backstretch workers, a new clubhouse, paddock, pavilion and training track with dimensions identical to those at the current Pimlico site.
“The Maryland Stadium Authority—in partnership with MEDCO, and the Maryland Jockey Club, with the Park Heights community—will oversee the transformation of the Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes, into a year-round racing facility that will bring economic benefits to Maryland for many years to come,” said Maryland Stadium Authority Chair Craig A. Thompson.
“Governor Wes Moore has been a forceful advocate for the redevelopment of both the Pimlico race track and the Pimlico community,” said Delegate Sandy Rosenberg. “From the new Enoch Pratt Library branch, to new housing for 200 residents, we are thankful to the state, the city and our philanthropic partners for actively participating in the cross-sector effort to bring investment to the community at Woodland and Park Heights Avenue. I, alongside my 40th and 41st District colleagues, am thankful to finally begin to see the benefits of the public investment we’ve long advocated for.”
Editor’s Note: The demotion of Pimlico actually began July 24 with the stakes barns. Read more about the beginning of the end and Stall 40 here.
