Pimlico Race Course formally opened
on 25 October 1870, in Baltimore, Maryland, making it the second oldest
racetrack in the USA to Saratoga. Although the spelling "Pemblicoe"
appeared on the original settlement agreement which was awarded to a
group of English pioneers in 1669, the settlers originally came from an
area near London, and reminisced about a familiar saloon "Olde Ben
Pimlico's Tavern". Thus the name "Pimlico" was adopted and given to the
area.
During the course of a dinner party in Saratoga, New York, Maryland's
Governor (at the time) Oden Bowie, presented an attractive proposal to
his friends which were prominent racing figures. In order to observe the
evening, they decided to run a race in two years, for horses that were
yearlings at the time. The victor would host a dinner party for the
losers, (subsequently to become known as the Dinner Party Stakes meet),
and both Saratoga and the American Jockey Club tendered for the
occasion. But Governor Bowie vowed he would construct a model racetrack
in Maryland if the race were to be held in Baltimore. And in 1868, the
Maryland Jockey Club bought the land and constructed the racetrack
Pimlico.
Pimlico is home to the prestigious $1 million Preakness Stakes, so named
in 1873 in honor of the colt Preakness, which won the first running of
the Dinner Party Stakes. It's also known as the home for the second meet
of the Pimlico Special, where Seabiscuit beat War Admiral on 1 November
1938. The Preakness Stakes was first run two years before the Derby, and
now determines whether the Kentucky Derby winner will have a chance to
grab the Triple Crown.
As Pimlico Race Course evolves into a new century, Alfred G. Vanderbilt,
the president of the Maryland Jockey Club over 50 years ago, made a
significant remark that is still remnant today: "Pimlico is more than a
dirt track bounded by four streets. It is an accepted American
institution, devoted to the best interests of a great sport, graced by
time, respected for its honorable past." |
