Where Is Pimlico Race Course?
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the Pimlico racetrack is a mainstay in the horse racing world and plays host to the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes. Pimlico is not only the home of the Preakness Stakes, but it also hosts several other thoroughbred racing events through the calendar year.
What Races Are Run At Pimlico?
There are several Grade II & III races at Pimlico, but the only Grade I race is the Preakness Stakes. The Preakness Stakes occurs on the third Saturday in May each year. The Grade I thoroughbred horse race is held annually between the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes races. The first Preakness Stakes occurred in 1873 and was named in honor of the first Dinner Party Stakes winning colt, Preakness. Pimlico hosts several other live races for spectators and sports bettors to watch and enjoy the excitement of top-caliber horse racing.
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Pimlico Schedule
| Date | Race | Grade | Distance | Eligible Horses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 20 | Allaire duPont Distaff | III | 1 1/8 Miles | 3 Years Old And Up Fillies & Mares |
| May 20 | George E. Mitchell | II | 1 1/8 Miles | 3-Year-Old Fillies |
| May 20 | Miss Preakness | III | 3/4 Mile | 3-Year-Old Fillies |
| May 20 | Pimlico Special | III | 1 1/8 Miles | 3 Years Old And Up |
| May 21 | Chick Lang | III | 3/4 Mile | 3-Year-Olds |
| May 21 | Dinner Party | II | 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) | 3 Years Old And Up |
| May 21 | Gallorette | III | 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) | 3 Years Old And Up Fillies & Mares |
| May 21 | Maryland Sprint | III | 3/4 Mile | 3 Years Old And Up |
| May 21 | Preakness Stakes | I | 1 1/8 Miles | 3-Year-Olds |
How Old Is Pimlico Race Course?
This year will mark the 147th Preakness Stakes, which will occur at none other than the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Pimlico Preakness weekend is a one-of-a-kind event, where horse racing fans from across the United States gather to watch the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans. Opened October 25, 1870, the second-oldest thoroughbred racecourse was engineered by General John Ellicott and owned by the Maryland Jockey Club. The name Pimlico was derived from an old tavern in London that English settlers named the area after in the 1660s.
How Long Is Pimlico Racetrack?
The stadium can hold a capacity of 98,983 attendees at any given time, and is widely known for the 1938 Seabiscuit vs War Admiral race in the second annual Pimlico Special. The course consists of a one-mile dirt oval, which stretches around a seven-furlong turf oval. Their stables are rather impressive and can house roughly 1,000 horses at any given time.
More About Pimlico Race Course
Pimlico also has the nickname “The Old Hilltop” due to a small rise infield that became a favorite gathering location for the trainers and enthusiasts where they could view contestants up close. The hill has since been removed, as it obstructed views for television and video cameras in the 1930s.
The course is owned by Stronach Group, the largest thoroughbred horse racing company in North America. Stronach Group also owns several other tracks across the United States, including Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park and Laurel Park Racecourse.
Preakness’ jockey, Billy Hayward, received a silk bag full of gold coins as his prize at the sporting event. It was during this race that the common term “purse” in regard to prize money was coined. The first Preakness Stakes purse in 1873 was worth $1,000; today, the Preakness Stakes purse is worth more than $1.5 million.
Pimlico also uses its large seating venue for more than horse racing, having hosted several music concerts and festivals featuring some of the industry’s biggest names such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Who, The Beastie Boys and more.
Be sure to get all of your Pimlico race picks in before the next big Pimlico races go down so you can win your own prize purse on horse racing.
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Pimlico Race Course FAQ
Why Is It Called the Preakness?
The history behind the name of the Preakness Stakes race goes all the way back to the Sportsbook of Pimlico Race Course. The Sportsbook of the first-ever Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico was named "Preakness." In its honor, the Grade I thoroughbred race would be named after the winning horse.
How Long Is Pimlico Race Course?
The course consists of a one-mile dirt oval, which stretches around a seven-furlong turf oval. The course is used for several different race lengths, some shorter than the total length of the track and other much longer. You can find all the best odds for these races at Odds Shark so you can get the best bang for your buck on any Pimlico Race Course wagers.
What Is A Black-Eyed Susan At Pimlico?
A black-eyed Susan is the state flower of Maryland and is featured prominently within Pimlico and the Preakness Stakes horse race. With the Preakness aptly named the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans, Pimlico embraces the rich history within their home state. There is also a race held annually named "The George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes" at Pimlico.
