What’s old is new again, as Baltimore’s storied Pimlico Race Course embarks on a significant transformation.
After years of discussions surrounding the potential for “rotating” the racing oval—a notion involving rebuilding it at a different angle—state officials have now shifted their stance. They anticipate the track will remain in its current orientation during the impending renovation of this historic venue in the coming years.
The alignment of the track has been a subject of heated debate over the years, with various renovation plans for the aging yet iconic racetrack in Park Heights experiencing numerous halts and restarts. A detailed consultant report to the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, released in January, revealed that, if the project were viewed as a new venture on greenfield land, the consulting team would not keep the current orientation of the track. The consultant, Populous, recommended rotating the track as the “most efficient use of the available land,” striving for maximum utility from the space.
Initially, the authority concurred with this perspective and indicated they were leaning towards rotating the oval as a key part of the renovation plan.
However, a surprising turn of events occurred during a recent meeting where Racing authority Chair Greg Cross shared with the authority that opting to retain the existing position of the track could expedite construction and reduce costs for the state-funded endeavor.
“Sometimes the more you study something, the more you come back to where you started, and it looks like that’s where we’re going to land,” expressed Cross, although he emphasized that this decision is not yet set in stone as design considerations continue to evolve.
A dedicated faction of racing enthusiasts has long championed the preservation of the track’s original placement—a tribute to the legacy of Old Hilltop, which opened its gates in 1870. This deeply rooted historical significance is a driving force behind their advocacy.
Cross acknowledged that maintaining the oval’s current orientation would prolong the “schematic design process,” given that the authority had previously been entertaining the idea of a rotational track design. Nevertheless, he asserted it would “simplify the project,” displaying optimism that the new Pimlico would debut by spring 2027.
“While it’s still a very complex project — I don’t want to sell it short, it’s a very aggressive schedule, the stadium authority is doing a good job on that — this makes it more likely to hit the schedule, rather than less likely,” Cross noted. “So sometimes you take a step back to accelerate.”
A map of the proposal to renovate Pimlico Race Course and align the track so it runs parallel with North Avenue highlights the ambitious vision being planned. (Populous)
In addition to track renovations, the authority approved race days for Maryland in the upcoming year during their meeting on Friday. Traditionally, Maryland has hosted a minimum of 175 days of thoroughbred racing across its two primary mile-long tracks—Pimlico and Laurel Park, along with the smaller Maryland State Fairgrounds track located in Timonium.
However, significant reforms within Maryland’s racing framework—including the formation of a state-operated nonprofit to replace the private Canadian operator, the Stronach Group—will lead to a reduction in racing days, with only 127 scheduled for next year. This marks a drop from 159 days this year and continues a downward trend from 187 racing days just a few years ago in 2019.
Notably, there will be a hiatus in racing during July and August, a period when several other regional tracks, including Colonial Downs in Virginia, host their racing events. Alan Foreman, a member of the racing authority and general counsel for the state’s horsemen, articulated during an interview his view that maintaining 160 or more annual racing days is “no longer tenable, particularly given the competition in the region in the summertime.”
The Pimlico renovation plan specifies the commencement of demolition after the 2025 Preakness. During the course of the renovations, racing activities—including the 2026 Preakness—will temporarily move to Laurel Park until the venue’s reopening in 2027.
Next year, an arranged seven race days are set for the state fairgrounds, while Pimlico will host six, featuring the momentous 150th running of the Preakness. The remaining 114 race days will take place at Laurel Park.
The anticipated budget for the Pimlico reconstruction and the establishment of a training center in another Maryland location stands at a substantial $400 million.
How does the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority plan to balance modern renovations with the historical significance of Pimlico Race Course?
**Interview with Greg Cross: Chair of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Mr. Cross. Thank you for joining us today. Exciting times are ahead for the Pimlico Race Course! Can you elaborate on the recent decision to retain the current orientation of the track rather than pursue a rotated design?
**Greg Cross:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. Absolutely, it’s a significant development. After much deliberation and study, we found that keeping the track in its current position could streamline construction, reduce costs, and still allow us to preserve the rich history of Pimlico. At the end of the day, we want to honor our legacy while also making practical decisions for the future.
**Interviewer:** The idea of rotating the track was widely discussed. What led to the shift in perspective, especially after the consultant report suggested that a rotated design would be more efficient?
**Greg Cross:** That’s a great question. The report initially pointed us in that direction, supporting the idea of maximizing land utility. However, during a recent meeting, it became clear that by maintaining the existing orientation, we could simplify the design process and bring the project to fruition more quickly. Sometimes, the more you study a situation, the more you circle back to simpler solutions.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting to note that there’s a dedicated group advocating for the preservation of the track’s original placement. How do you balance modern renovation needs with historical significance?
**Greg Cross:** That’s a critical aspect of our planning. We deeply respect the tradition and history of Old Hilltop, having opened in 1870. Listening to the racing community has been important, and we believe that by retaining the current alignment, we can honor that legacy while moving forward with necessary renovations.
**Interviewer:** With this decision, what is the projected timeline for the renovations, and when can fans expect to see the new Pimlico Race Course?
**Greg Cross:** We’re optimistic that with this new direction, we can keep our timeline intact and aim for a grand debut by spring 2027. While the project remains complex, we feel that simplifying certain elements will help us keep on track—pun intended!
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising! what do you hope will be the legacy of the renovated Pimlico Race Course?
**Greg Cross:** We envision a venue that not only respects its storied past but also serves as a state-of-the-art facility for future generations of horse racing fans. We want to create a destination that brings people together, enriches our community, and keeps the spirit of Pimlico alive for years to come.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Cross. We’re looking forward to seeing the transformation at Pimlico!
**Greg Cross:** Thank you! It’s an exciting journey, and we appreciate the support of the community as we move forward.