When Maryland lawmakers overwhelmingly passed a bill recently that created the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, it became glaringly apparent that the cost of rebuilding Laurel Park is too prohibitive and that Pimlico is likely to become the hub of Maryland racing, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association counsel Alan Foreman told the BloodHorse.
“It's more likely than ever that Pimlico will become the hub of Maryland racing,” Foreman said about Pimlico, home of the Preakness (G1), the second jewel of the Triple Crown. The 153-year-old facility in Baltimore had deterioration to an extent that forced closure of a section of the grandstand in 2019. “When the stadium authority realized the cost of rebuilding Laurel was prohibitive, we started looking at the consequences that there may not be a Laurel in the future of Maryland racing and we may have to consolidate at Pimlico and build a training center at Laurel. We might also need a new site for a training center if rebuilding Laurel is not found to be a feasible project.”
The need for a new redevelopment plan also cast some doubt on 1/ST Racing's future in Maryland. 1/ST operates both tracks as the Maryland Jockey Club. Under a 2020 deal, it agreed to turn Pimlico over to public control by the city and state while retaining ownership of Laurel. Maryland law stipulates that when public funds are used for a private entity, the owner becomes liable for capital gains taxes, which are estimated at somewhere between $10 million-$40 million.
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