Pimlico Opens Thursday for Fall Meet

Pimlico Race Course, known as the home of the Preakness Stakes in the spring, opens Thursday for a six-week fall meet that will conclude with the Maryland Million on closing day, Oct. 13.

In previous years, Maryland tracks were dark after the Timonium meet because Colonial Downs in Virginia was open. Colonial Downs shifted to summer racing this year, so Laurel Park was tapped to open in early September. Problems with the big glass windows in the Laurel grandstand scrapped that plan.

Pimlico will race Wednesdays through Saturdays, with first post time at 1:05 p.m. EDT. The opener will be highlighted by the $40,000 Contrary Rose Stakes.

The fall meet will feature "Six Sensational Saturdays" at Old Hilltop. Each day will feature a promotional contest sponsored by one of the Baltimore television stations, and complimentary Saturday admission coupons to Pimlico that will be distributed by Maryland-area lottery outlets. The coupons will include an entry form for an additional promotional contest on Maryland Million Day.

Jockey Ramon Dominguez, who led the national standings in races won with 289 through Sept. 4, will ride at Pimlico. Trainer Scott Lake, leading trainer in the nation by wins with 287 through Sept. 4, will be back in action, as will Dale Capuano, third in the national trainer standings with 173 wins.