Pimlico Race Course

<h2>Pimlico Race Course: Home of the Preakness Stakes</h2> <p>Pimlico Race Course stands as one of the most storied and celebrated thoroughbred racing venues in the United States. Located in the historic Park Heights neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, Pimlico holds the distinction of being the second-oldest racetrack in America, opening its gates for the very first time in 1870. For over 150 years, this legendary oval has drawn the finest horses, jockeys, and racing enthusiasts to its hallowed grounds, cementing its place at the heart of American horse racing culture.</p> <h2>History and Legacy</h2> <p>Pimlico's rich heritage is inseparable from the Preakness Stakes, first run in 1873 and held annually every May at the track ever since. As the second jewel of thoroughbred racing's coveted Triple Crown — sandwiched between the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes — the Preakness transforms Pimlico into the center of the racing universe each spring. Legendary champions including Secretariat, Citation, Affirmed, and American Pharoah have galloped past the famous finish wire here, writing chapters of history that fans relive for generations. The track's nickname, "Old Hilltop," pays tribute to a rise that once stood at the center of the grounds.</p> <h2>Location and Facilities</h2> <p>Situated just minutes from downtown Baltimore, Pimlico offers straightforward access for visitors arriving by car, light rail, or shuttle service during major race days. The facility accommodates up to 35,000 spectators across its grandstands, clubhouse, and expansive infield. The infield, in particular, has become legendary in its own right — a vibrant, festive gathering space where tens of thousands of fans celebrate Preakness weekend with an electric, carnival-like atmosphere unlike anything else in sports.</p> <ul> <li>Climate-controlled clubhouse seating with premium dining options</li> <li>Expansive grandstand with views of the full stretch run</li> <li>Infield general admission with large-screen simulcast monitors</li> <li>Multiple bars, concession stands, and food vendors throughout the grounds</li> <li>On-site wagering windows and self-service betting kiosks</li> </ul> <h2>Track Characteristics</h2> <p>Pimlico features a one-and-one-eighth-mile (nine-furlong) main track with a classic dirt surface, the traditional proving ground for thoroughbred champions. The track's configuration suits horses with strong tactical speed and the ability to handle tight turns, making it a unique test compared to the longer Churchill Downs oval. The homestretch at Pimlico measures approximately 1,155 feet, giving closers a legitimate opportunity to run down leaders in the final furlong — producing many of the dramatic finishes that have defined Preakness history.</p> <h3>Notable Races</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Preakness Stakes (Grade I):</strong> The crown jewel, run at 1 3/16 miles for three-year-olds each May</li> <li><strong>Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (Grade II):</strong> The filly counterpart to the Preakness, run the day before</li> <li><strong>Pimlico Special (Grade III):</strong> A prestigious older-horse handicap with deep historical roots</li> </ul> <h2>Visitor Experience and Betting</h2> <p>Whether you are a seasoned horseplayer or a first-time visitor, Pimlico delivers an authentic and thrilling day at the races. The traditional Black-Eyed Susan cocktail — a blend of orange juice, pineapple juice, and bourbon — is the signature drink of Preakness weekend, sipped by fans throughout the grounds. Wagering options include win, place, show, exactas, trifectas, superfectas, and multi-race exotics like Pick 4 and Pick 6. Knowledgeable mutuel clerks and digital kiosks make placing bets straightforward for newcomers, while the racing program provides handicapping information, morning-line odds, and jockey and trainer statistics to help sharpen your selections.</p> <p>Pimlico Race Course is more than a racetrack — it is a living monument to the American thoroughbred, where each hoofbeat echoes more than a century and a half of racing glory.</p>