In other news, the Maryland Million will return to Laurel Park after a two-year stint at Pimlico on Oct. 11. Introduced in 1986, the Maryland Million, a program of races for the offspring of Maryland-based stallions only, has been duplicated by 19 other states.The current Laurel winter meet will conclude its 13-week run on March 30.
Pimlico announced it will run 27 stakes races (11 graded) for purses of $4,235,000. during its spring meeting that opens April 2.Fourteen of the added-money races, including 10 of the graded stakes, are slated for Preakness week, including eight on Preakness Day, May 17.The grade I Pimlico Special returns after a one-year hiatus and will be held on May 16, the same day as the Black-Eyed Susan (gr. II) and three other added money races. The Special's $600,000 purse will help make the day the second biggest on the Maryland racing scene, surpassing Maryland Million Day.