Pimlico demolition

The topic of the diminishing North American Thoroughbred foal crop (estimated 17,000 for 2026) came up several times during last week's Global Symposium on Racing hosted by the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program in Tucson. This is often referred to as our industry's "horse shortage" problem. I try to avoid that term in my reporting unless I am directly quoting someone who says it. Instead, the sport has long been dealing with an "owner shortage." Breeders stand ready and willing to start producing more racehorses if only more...

The structural demolition necessary for the Redevelopment of the Pimlico Racing Facility project began on July 24 with the razing of the existing barns and outbuildings adjacent to Winner Avenue, according to a Maryland Stadium Authority release Thursday. Clark Construction Group, LLC, MSA's Construction Manager, is tasked with the demolition. The demolition package was approved by the MSA Board of Directors and the Maryland Board of Public Works in May 2025. After the completion of the 150th Preakness Stakes, the operator and all horses moved out of the facility, the...