Pimlico to Race Through June 9, But Then What?

The spring meet at Pimlico Race Course will go through June 9, but after that, the Maryland Thoroughbred racing schedule is up in the air.

With Colonial Downs in Virginia planning to hold its Thoroughbred meet from June 10-July 14, the Maryland Racing Commission hasn't yet awarded the customary summer dates to Laurel Park. Commission officials told the Baltimore Sun the issue will be resolved at a March meeting after track officials and horsemen agree on a schedule.

The Maryland Jockey Club operates live racing at Colonial Downs, which has raced Thoroughbreds in September and October since it opened in 1997. About 75% of the track's horse population comes from Maryland.

Horsemen in Maryland have preferred to be dark in September, considered the slowest month of the year for business. There have been differing views among horsemen as to whether Maryland racing should shut down in June and July rather than September.