LAUREL, MARYLAND (February 1, 2013)– The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) President and Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Chuckas, Jr., released the following statement on MJC’s preliminary capital improvement plan for Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park.  The preliminary plan was submitted to the Maryland Racing Commission and the Maryland Department of Budget & Management today pursuant to legislation passed during the 2012 special session.   Under the 2007 Video Lottery Gaming Legislation, portions of the video lottery proceeds are dedicated to the Racetrack Facility Redevelopment Account for racetrack development and improvement. 

“The Maryland Jockey Club is pleased to submit its preliminary capital improvement plan to the Maryland Racing Commission and the State of Maryland.  Building on the recent 10-year agreement for sustained racing in Maryland, the plan outlines MJC’s commitment to the thoroughbred horse racing industry and willingness to make significant capital improvements at Pimlico and Laurel Park. 

“While MJC will move quickly to address short term needs of the industry, including planning, design and permitting for the construction of 300 new stalls at Laurel Park and 200 new stalls at Pimlico, this is the beginning of a collaborative planning process to reinvest and redevelop these facilities. 

“In the weeks ahead, MJC looks forward to engaging with our colleagues in the racing industry, the Maryland Racing Commission, state and local officials, and our community partners to finalize the capital improvement plan and strengthen Maryland’s proud thoroughbred horseracing tradition.”

About Pimlico Race Course

Pimlico Race Course is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a major producer of televised horse racing programming through its HRTV cable and satellite network and is North America's premier supplier of virtual online horse racing games, as well as a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.