Historic Pimlico Race Course opened on October 25th, 1870, making it the second oldest racetrack in the United States. Maryland’s governor at the time, Oden Bowie, decided to open a track in Baltimore and name it after “Pemblicoe,” the name given to the area by English settlers in colonial times. The colonists were all from the same area near London and “harbored memories” of a famous landmark called “Olde Bens Pimlico’s Tavern.” So, the racetrack is named after the city, which was named after a bar- thus making it truly a Baltimore historic spot. The small rise in the infield, where people gathered to view the horses close up, is why Pimlico was also dubbed “Old Hilltop.” Watching races from the infield continues to this day, although the little hill was unfortunately removed in 1938 to accommodate cameras. Since 1904, Pimlico has held races every year. It also became the first racetrack in the United States to use an electric starting gate. Pimlico is home to the Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of racing’s Triple Crown. The Preakness Stakes is an American Grade 1 stakes race. It is a 1-3/16 mile thoroughbred horse race for three year old horses. The race is held on the 3rd Saturday in May every year at Pimlico, and it is the 2nd and shortest leg in the Triple Crown.
Pimlico Race Track InformationDirections Track - 1 mile loam oval; Six-furlong and 1 1/4 mile chutes; Length of stretch from last turn to finish line = 1,152 feet; Track = 70 feet wide; Turf Course = 7/8 of a mile inside main track; Aluminum inner rail; Grass Course, installed in 1954, is a mixture of 50% common rye, 25% Kentucky Blue, and 25% Kentucky 31 fescue. Grass height is maintained at four to five inches during racing season. Stable Area - 800 horses, plus tack, feed and sleeping rooms. Mechanical-Electronic Equipment - United Starting Gate; American Totalisator; Photo Finish/Camera; American Teletimer Corp. timing system; International Sound Corp., Video tape patrol closed circuit television; Alpha-Numerical Board Catering - Maryland Turf Caterers, Inc. Police - Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau; Office on main floor of grandstand. First Aid - Doctor and Nurse in attendance; Office located next to paddock. Track Kitchen - Located behind grandstand. Jockey’s Quarters - Men’s in rear of paddock; Women’s, near paddock. Betting Windows - 750 (including temporary windows on Preakness Day), and automated betting machines. |
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We are not affiliated with Pimlico, the Preakness, or any other race track. We are a secondary ticket broker who specializes in premium seating for sold out events, such as the Preakness Stakes, and all other events nationwide. Please do not hesitate to call and speak wih one of our friendly sales representatives in reference to Preakness or Pimlico tickets!
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