An amended version of the Pimlico Plus legislation began a sprint to the finish line, passing quickly through the Senate en route to House consideration.
Saturday’s 148th Preakness Stakes was a stirring duel to the wire. It put the cap on a strange week that seemed to be about everything but the race itself.
In the face of the nation’s reckoning with racism, the Maryland Jockey Club will scrap the playing of the controversial state song before the Preakness.
Legislation to create the funding and structures to raze and rebuild both Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course passed the Maryland Senate by a 44-1 vote.
Legislation that would speed projects at Laurel and Bowie calls into question future racing at Pimlico — but adds certainty the property will not lie fallow.
The MEDCO bill would, headed to the full Senate, jumpstarts plans to renovate Laurel and Bowie but faces an uncertain future in the House.