The Maryland Jockey Club announced yesterday that the Pimlico Race Course stable area will remain open throughout the winter months. Previously, the MJC indicated that the Pimlico backstretch would close, effective Oct. 31 through early March 2002.
The MJC is the only racetrack operator in the United States that simultaneously maintains three complete training and stabling facilities, and provides them free of charge to horsemen throughout the year. Those facilities include Pimlico, Laurel Park and the Bowie Training Center.
Management's desire to work with Maryland thoroughbred horsemen and an unanticipated increase in demand by trainers for stabling in Maryland for the upcoming winter and spring meetings prompted the change in plans. Over the past few weeks, MJC officials met with and received input from representatives of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, as well as Pimlico trainers and backstretch workers, regarding the proposed winter closing.