Live racing in Maryland shifts to historic Pimlico Race Course Thursday for
the spring meeting. The headline event of the 35-day stand is the 139th running
of the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of the Triple Crown on
May 17.
Live racing takes place four days a week on a Thursday through Sunday
schedule prior to Preakness and then Friday, Saturday and Sunday (plus Memorial
Day). The meet will end on June 7, Belmont Stakes Day.
The opening day card features nine races, including the first two on the turf
this year. First post is 1:10 p.m. (EDT).
“There is a special feeling about Pimlico because of Preakness weekend but
the entire meet is important to us,” Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas
said. “We are excited to use the new and improved turf course on opening day and
throughout the meet. Grass racing usually means larger fields and improved
handle.”
The marquee meet of the Maryland racing season will feature 25 stakes races
for purses totaling $4,680,000.
Preakness day will have nine added money races, including four graded events.
In addition to the Preakness, the card features the Grade 2 Dixie Handicap and
two Grade 3 races. 2014 Preakness InfieldFest will be headlined by Grammy winner
Lorde. Additional information can be found on
www.preakness.com.
The Preakness eve card features eight stakes races, headlined by the Grade 2,
$500,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and the Grade 3, $300,000 Pimlico Special. The
Ultimate Girls Day Out also includes the $50,000 Hall of Fame Jockey Challenge
and the fifth annual Lady Legends For the Cure Race. Counting Crows and The Fray
will headline an afternoon concert in the infield. Additional information can be
found at
www.blackeyedsusanday.com.
In addition, Pimlico will debut a $100,000 trainer bonus on Preakness
weekend. Trainers will earn points based on finishes in 15 stakes races May
16-17:
May 16 — Black-Eyed Susan, Pimlico Special, Miss Preakness, Jim McKay Turf
Sprint, Hilltop, Skipat, Rollicking
May 17 — Preakness, Dixie, Maryland Sprint, Gallorette, Chick Lang, James
Murphy, Sir Barton, The Very One
Trainers will receive points for finishing first (10 points), second (7),
third (5), fourth (3) and starting a horse (1 point) in each race. The winner
will earn $50,000. Other prize money: $25,000 (second), $12,000 (third), $7,000
(fourth), $4,000 (fifth) and $2,000 (sixth). Trainers must have started five
horses in the stakes combined to be eligible.
From April 3 through May 3, any single, unique 10-cent winning ticketholder
in the Pimlico Players Jackpot Pick 5 will receive a minimum of $50,000 plus a
trip for two to the 2014 Preakness with seats in the in the Turfside Terrace
section.
The Pimlico Pick 5 is a jackpot wager that pays any carryover to a single,
unique winning ticket.
On opening day, patrons will celebrate the return of live racing with free
admission and a complimentary live program. Other highlights of the meet:
Saturday, April 5 — Opening Saturday
Apron BBQ, free Pimlico souvenir cup giveaway good for $3 domestic drafts for
entire meet (excluding May 16-17) and chances to win upcoming Pimlico event
tickets
Sunday, April 6 — Chasin’ for Children
Kids compete on ponies in five events between races
Sunday Brunch — April 6-June 1
Old Hilltop’s famous brunch buffet with the exception of April 20 and May 18
when live racing does not occur
Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13 — Decanter Wine Festival
Fourth annual celebration of Maryland wine and Maryland racing. More info at
www.decanterwinefestival.com
Saturday, May 3 — Kentucky Derby Day
Party on the apron
Saturday, May 10 — Canter for the Cure
Equine enthusiasts have an opportunity to ride their horses around the famed
Pimlico main track
Sunday, May 11 — Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch
Tuesday, May 13 through Friday, May 16 — Sunrise at Old Hilltop
See the Preakness contenders prepare for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown
as fans get the opportunity to watch morning workouts and tour the stable area.
Admission is free for the 6-9 a.m. event
Saturday, May 31 — Racing 101
An all-day fan education experience. Advance ticket purchase required
Saturday, June 7 — Brew and Bourbon Classic
Beer tasting, bourbon sipping, music and live racing. More info at
www.brewandbourbonclassic.com
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