Speaking during a National Thoroughbred Racing Association media teleconference May 9, NTRA president and CEO Tom Rooney noted Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's signing of a bill into law Thursday that will remake Maryland racing around Pimlico Race Course.
House Bill 1524, the legislation to initiate the "Pimlico Plus" plan, received approval from Maryland legislators earlier this spring. Moore's support of the bill had been anticipated.
The law and agreements its passage is expected to trigger will remake Maryland racing. Among the changes would be the eventual closure of Laurel Park, the revitalization of Pimlico Race Course, and the acquisition of land for and building of a training center. It also will end Maryland's tradition of private, for-profit ownership of racetracks, replacing that with a state-owned, nonprofit-managed model. The project will be funded by $400 million in state bonds.
"The state of Maryland is investing in the sport of racing in similar ways that New York has already done," Rooney said in remarks that kicked off the Thursday teleconference. " As you all know, this year will be a historic rendition of the Belmont Stakes to be run in Saratoga while Belmont Park itself is completely rebuilt and modernized.
"I know I speak for those of us within the sport: there's a lot to be excited and optimistic about as we continue through the Triple Crown season."
An earlier story on the legislative passage of HB 1524 can be found here.
