NEWS
Pimlico Special on hiatus again
because of purse shortages
Posted: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 4:19 PM
The Maryland Jockey Club has unveiled the 2010 Pimlico Race Course spring schedule, which will consist of 18 stakes races worth a combined $2,435,000.
The Pimlico Special Handicap (G1) and the Allaire duPont Distaff Handicap (G2) have been put on a one-year hiatus due to a purse shortage. It is the fourth time in the past nine years the Pimlico Special has been canceled because of purse shortages.
The schedule was released after agreements with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Horse Breeders Association and was approved on Tuesday by the Maryland Racing Commission.
The 135th running of the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 15 will be the centerpiece of the 20-day meeting at the historic Baltimore track. The meet is scheduled to run from April 17 through May 22.
Preakness weekend will include 15 stakes worth more than $2.2-million. The May 14 card features seven stakes races, six for fillies and mares, highlighted by the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) for three-year-old fillies. Preakness day will have eight stakes, including six graded races.
“Springtime at Pimlico brings out the best in us,” Maryland Jockey Club President Tom Chuckas said. “It is important to keep the stakes schedule strong during Preakness weekend when some of the nation’s finest Thoroughbreds come to town.”
First post for 17 days of the meeting will be 1:10 p.m. EDT with adjustments on Preakness (10:45 a.m.), Black-Eyed Susan (12:15 p.m.) and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) (12:45 p.m.) days.
The Pimlico stable area will be open for training from April 10 through May 31.
