WBAL Investigates examines progress in Pimlico Race Course redevelopment
By David Collins
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BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBAL) — Pimlico Race Course is typically abuzz in May to welcome horseracing fans for the Preakness Stakes.
Today, it’s a construction zone.
Demolition started in July 2025, and crews have bulldozed historic pieces of the racetrack as Maryland officials look ahead to its future.
Pimlico plan is key to saving horseracing in Maryland Horseracing is woven into the fabric of Maryland’s identity. State and horse industry officials believe rebuilding Pimlico and turning Laurel Park into a year-round training facility is the key to saving horseracing in Maryland.
WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates collected video from SKY 11 and a drone to document developments as Pimlico was torn down over the past year. Bonds issued by the Maryland Stadium Authority are financing the $400 million project as the newly reimagined Pimlico takes shape.
As the groundwork continues to build a new clubhouse, next year’s Preakness, which is set to return to Baltimore, will have temporary seating.
In 2028, the plan is to open the new clubhouse, a white palace in the park. The design aims to have an old-school feel with modern amenities. The new grandstand will have 5,000 seats in addition to hospitality suites, a restaurant, a sports bar, a sports book and festival space featuring a picnic area.
Pimlico’s transformation visible during tour
Bill Knauff, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, took WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates a tour of the transformation so far.
“I think they are going to love it,” Knauff told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates. “We are looking at two large receiving barns (that) will hold about 80 horses each. Then, you’ve got a pony barn (and) you will have a horsemen’s lounge and a regulatory building for a state veterinarian.”
Pimlico will be able to stable as many as 300 horses.
“Everything the horses would need for Preakness should be up,” Knauff told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates.
The track and the grass course will remain in their original places, and racing will be held 120 days a year.
“Anybody who has come to the Preakness in recent years most likely has walked on one of these right here, the trams that we rolled across the dirt and turf course,” Knauff told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates. “The unfortunate part about that is that you always had to wait (for races to end before crossing).”
The redevelopment plan solves the track-crossing problem with a new tunnel connecting the grandstand area to the infield. Officials said the tunnel is designed to be large enough so that a tractor-trailer can pass through to make deliveries.
Iconic parts of Pimlico preserved with eyes on future A horseracing museum is planned on the site that will include materials from Stall 40, which is most notably known for being where the Kentucky Derby winner stays while awaiting the Preakness.
“This state has great bones for horse history,” Knauff said.
The iconic cupola and its weathervane are being preserved, and the two-story luxurious chalet next to the winner’s circle will be rebranded to become a permanent fixture at Pimlico.
The finish line stays where it is and the infield will remain the same; however, how it will be used remains under discussion.
“Nothing has been ruled out for the infield. I think there are a lot of great ideas on how we can utilize this in the future, and we are going to explore them all. I think concerts here in the infield in the summertime to ballfields, we are going to take a look at everything,” Knauff told WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates.
The success of the reimagined Pimlico is largely based on the adage, “If you build it, they will come.” So, it depends on unknown future demand for a new type of venue and interest in horseracing, in general, but all parties involved did their homework and believe the changes will put Pimlico in the winner’s circle.
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