The Baltimore skyline

Pimlico Race Course

ThoroughbredDirtTurf
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Pimlico Race Course is a thoroughbred racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland. It opened in 1870, making it 156 years old in 2026. It races on a 1-mile dirt oval, 7-furlong turf course (being rebuilt).

Its signature races are the Preakness Stakes (G1), Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2), Pimlico Special (G3) and Dinner Party Stakes (G3).

In 1877 the U.S. Congress adjourned for a day so its members could attend a match race at Pimlico.

Track facts

Location
Baltimore, Maryland
Racing
Thoroughbred
Surfaces
Dirt, Turf
Track
1-mile dirt oval, 7-furlong turf course (being rebuilt)
Opened
1870
Racing season
Preakness meet in May (closed for rebuilding after the 2025 Preakness)
Operator
Maryland Jockey Club (state-controlled)
Nickname
Old Hilltop

Signature races at Pimlico Race Course

Race day

When to go. Live racing runs preakness meet in May (closed for rebuilding after the 2025 Preakness). Check the official site for post times and the current stakes schedule.

The view. Our illustration shows the Baltimore skyline in the background.

Getting there. Directions to Pimlico Race Course and parking nearby.

Plan your trip to Pimlico Race Course

Hotels near Pimlico Race CourseBook a stay for race day on ExpediaRace schedule & post timesLive racing dates and stakesParkingLots near the trackDirectionsMap to Pimlico Race CourseTours & things to do in BaltimoreSightseeing, tours and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbySpots to eat before or after the races

Tracks near Pimlico Race Course10

  1. 1ThoroughbredTimonium Race Track — Thoroughbred racing (Timonium, Maryland)6.6 mi
  2. 2ThoroughbredLaurel Park — Barbara Fritchie Stakes (Laurel, Maryland)19 mi
  3. 3HarnessRosecroft Raceway — Maryland Sire Stakes (Fort Washington, Maryland)41 mi
  4. 4ThoroughbredDelaware Park — Delaware Handicap (Stanton, Delaware)59 mi
  5. 5HarnessBally's Dover — Harness racing (Dover, Delaware)62 mi
  6. 6ThoroughbredHollywood Casino at Charles Town Races — Charles Town Classic (Charles Town, West Virginia)63 mi
  7. 7ThoroughbredHollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course — Penn Mile Stakes (Grantville, Pennsylvania)72 mi
  8. 8HarnessHarrah's Philadelphia — Harness racing (Chester, Pennsylvania)78 mi
  9. 9HarnessShenandoah Downs — Harness racing (Woodstock, Virginia)105 mi
  10. 10ThoroughbredParx Casino and Racing — Pennsylvania Derby (Bensalem, Pennsylvania)106 mi

Questions about Pimlico Race Course

Where is Pimlico Race Course?

Pimlico Race Course is in Baltimore, Maryland.

What kind of racing is at Pimlico Race Course?

Pimlico Race Course hosts thoroughbred racing. Live racing runs preakness meet in May (closed for rebuilding after the 2025 Preakness).

When did Pimlico Race Course open?

Pimlico Race Course opened in 1870.

What is the biggest race at Pimlico Race Course?

The signature race at Pimlico Race Course is the Preakness Stakes (G1).

What other racetracks are near Pimlico Race Course?

The closest is Timonium Race Track in Timonium, Maryland, about 7 miles away. See the full list of nearby tracks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 racing season. Distances are straight-line miles. The illustration is original artwork, not a photo. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your track? Get the “Listed on HorsetrackAtlas.com” badge for your website.