Pimlico Race Course will offer $3.7 million in stakes for a 28-day meet that begins May 12, Maryland Jockey Club officials said March 16.
The highlights of the session are the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes (gr. I), $250,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (gr. II), and $300,000 Pimlico Special (gr. III).
The Preakness will be one of eight stakes run May 21. Other graded events that day are the $250,000 Longines Dixie Stakes (gr. IIT), the $150,000 Gallorette Stakes (gr. IIIT), and the $150,000 Maryland Sprint Stakes (gr. III).
The Black-Eyed Susan will highlight a program of seven stakes May 20 that includes the Pimlico Special and Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes (gr. III).
Preakness week at Pimlico includes several events, including Sunrise at Old Hilltop, the Alibi Breakfast, the "Ultimate Girls Day Out," and InfieldFest, one of the country's most eclectic outdoor music festivals.
"We're very excited about the Pimlico meet this year," Maryland Jockey Club president and general manager Sal Sinatra said. "The racing during Preakness week at Pimlico promises to once again be highlighted by champions and Hall of Fame horsemen, and the energy that comes from the more than 300,000 people who visit our facility that weekend is incredible.
"We're honored to partner with so many great companies and individuals in Baltimore, the state of Maryland, and surrounding areas to showcase Thoroughbred racing at Pimlico this spring, and we believe fans will be happy with the improvements to the facility we have made."
A new LED, high-definition board measuring 21 feet high and 32 feet wide has been installed in the infield. Meanwhile, after suffering a loss in water pressure during Preakness day last year due to a water main break, a main booster pump has been installed to prevent another loss in pressure.
Pimlico will also have several new concessions and bar layouts, and offerings will be reconfigured to accommodate guests in a timely manner.
This year's Pimlico meet extends through June 26. With the later start to the Pimlico meet, Laurel Park will race through May 8.