BALTIMORE — With just days until crossover day in the state legislature, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) has requested a bill for lawmakers that would codify its Pimlico Plus plan first unveiled in January.
What is expected to be House Bill 1524 is not yet officially in the Maryland General Assembly's online system, but would make the State of Maryland, through the MTROA, in charge of the horse racing industry in the state.
It would also move all horse racing to Pimlico after the facility gets a revamp and create another new training facility at another location.
While Pimlico is being renovated, sources with the Governor's office say that the Preakness in 2026 will take place at Laurel, before returning, they hope by 2027.
Greg Cross, the chairman of the MTROA, gave the following statement on the announcement that the agreement with the Stronach Group had been finalized and the legislation had been put together:
"The Maryland Racing Authority is proud to support this plan that will help secure the future of horse racing here in Maryland.
We are thankful to Belinda Stronach and the Stronach Group for their longtime stewardship of horse racing in Maryland and the professionalism and good faith they brought to this process with the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.
We know the state is eager to see the long overdue improvements to Pimlico and investments in the Park Heights community come to fruition, and the governor looks forward to working with the General Assembly to finalize this deal and pass the authorizing legislation to make it a reality."
The Stronach Group and The Maryland Jockey Club issued the following statement from Craig Fravel, Executive Vice-Chairman, 1/ST RACING & GAMING:
“Since the announcement in early January, which outlined a framework for an agreement in principle between The Stronach Group, The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC), and the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA), the parties have engaged in extensive negotiations directed at finalizing a comprehensive agreement. That agreement aims to secure a sustainable future for the Maryland Thoroughbred racing industry and ensure the successful operation of Pimlico Race Course and the Preakness in Baltimore.
We thank Greg Cross and the MTROA board. We look forward to the legislative consideration process and collaborating with the MTROA and Maryland stakeholders to usher in a new era for racing in the State.”
The bill is expected to be sponsored by the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, according to sources within the governor's administration.
There is no word on a Senate crossfile.
