BALTIMORE, 05-02-14---Gary Stevens, who last year became the oldest rider to win the Preakness Stakes (G1), has informed Pimlico officials that he will not participate in the Xpressbet Jockey Challenge on Black-Eyed Susan Day, May 16.

The Jockey's Challenge will now feature seven of the eight active Hall of Fame riders with Russell Baze (1999 Hall of Fame inductee), Mike Smith (2003), Kent Desormeaux (2004), Edgar Prado (2008), John Velazquez (2012), Calvin Borel (2013) and Alex Solis (2014) competing in four races with points award­ed based upon their finish.

“Gary has been very selective with his rides since coming out of retirement last year and makes a conscious effort to limit his mounts,” Pimlico president Tom Chuckas said. “He plans on riding in stakes races during Preakness weekend which take priority.”

The jockey with the most points at the end of the competition will be crowned champion. Riding assignments are determined by a drawing Sunday, May 11, and jockeys receive points for finishing first (12 points), second (6), third (4) and fourth (3) in each race.

The champion jockey will earn $20,000. Other prize money: $10,000 (second), $7,000 (third), $4,000 (fourth), $3,500 (fifth), $3,000 (sixth) and $2,500 (seventh).

About Pimlico Race Course

Historic Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness® Stakes, the middle jewel in horse racing's famed Triple Crown, first opened its doors on October 25, 1870, and is the second oldest racetrack in the United States. Pimlico has played host to racing icons and Baltimoreans have seen the likes of legendary horses such as Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, Affirmed and Cigar thunder down the stretch in thrilling and memorable competition. For more information on Pimlico, visit www.pimlico.com.

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.