LAUREL, MARYLAND (February 1, 2013)– The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) President and Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Chuckas, Jr., released the following statement on MJC’s preliminary capital improvement plan for Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park.  The preliminary plan was submitted to the Maryland Racing Commission and the Maryland Department of Budget & Management today pursuant to legislation passed during the 2012 special session.   Under the 2007 Video Lottery Gaming Legislation, portions of the video lottery proceeds are dedicated to the Racetrack Facility Redevelopment Account for racetrack development and improvement. 

“The Maryland Jockey Club is pleased to submit its preliminary capital improvement plan to the Maryland Racing Commission and the State of Maryland.  Building on the recent 10-year agreement for sustained racing in Maryland, the plan outlines MJC’s commitment to the thoroughbred horse racing industry and willingness to make significant capital improvements at Pimlico and Laurel Park. 

“While MJC will move quickly to address short term needs of the industry, including planning, design and permitting for the construction of 300 new stalls at Laurel Park and 200 new stalls at Pimlico, this is the beginning of a collaborative planning process to reinvest and redevelop these facilities. 

“In the weeks ahead, MJC looks forward to engaging with our colleagues in the racing industry, the Maryland Racing Commission, state and local officials, and our community partners to finalize the capital improvement plan and strengthen Maryland’s proud thoroughbred horseracing tradition.”