Tag: Wes Moore
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Camden Yards Emerges as Front-Runner for 2030 MLB All-Star Game, 37 Years After Its Last Turn
Baltimore may host the 2030 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, marking its first since 1993. Although the Orioles have not submitted a formal bid, support is growing due to the ballpark’s renovations and city incentives. Economic projections are tempered by skepticism about actual tourism impact versus initial estimates.
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The Commission Was Silent. A Soldier Wasn’t.
Maryland’s Racing Commission met for the first time since significant changes in the horse racing schedule, mostly remaining silent on pressing issues. Retired Colonel Damon Knauss criticized the commission’s lack of action and proposed moving the Preakness to April to enhance its importance. His comments highlighted the need for proactive responses to recent challenges.
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How a $375 Million Plan Became a $715 Million Problem
Maryland’s horse racing redevelopment plan escalated from $375 million to over $715 million through five decisions made without public cost-benefit analyses. Key decisions included concentrating racing at a rebuilt Pimlico, abandoning Shamrock Farm, purchasing Laurel Park, and acquiring the Preakness IP, all while lacking transparency and accountability.
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What Maryland Didn’t Consider
The Preakness announcement led to a new broadcast deal and date but did not resolve sixteen existing issues—eight created by Maryland and eight inherited from the industry. Key problems include reduced betting handle on Sundays and competition with major events like the PGA Championship, requiring Maryland to address structural shortcomings for racing’s future.
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Pimlico Has No Plan for the Other 364 Days
The new Pimlico Race Course, meant to be a year-round economic hub, currently supports only the Preakness Stakes, raising concerns about its long-term viability. Despite significant investments, no substantial programming or events are announced for the remaining 364 days, provoking skepticism among local residents and officials regarding its projected economic impact.
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What Moore Announced — And What Comes Next
Governor Wes Moore’s press conference outlined major updates for the Preakness Stakes, including a historic Sunday date and a broadcasting deal with NBC through 2032. While the announcements were substantial, concerns about governance, competition with new racing series, and the economic implications for Maryland’s $633 million investment remain unaddressed.
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The Hand They’re Not Playing: How Maryland Can Rebuild Horse Racing After the Preakness Shake-Up
Maryland faces a critical moment in revitalizing the Preakness and its horse racing legacy. With options to build independent coalitions and focus on a four-race calendar, Maryland has the chance to create a significant racing framework by 2028. Immediate action is necessary to secure this future and leverage its unique assets.
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What CDI Does With Tracks It Owns
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has a documented strategy for acquiring and managing racetracks, evident in its closure of Arlington Park and relocation of prestigious races to Colonial Downs. Maryland’s $85 million investment to secure the Preakness IP aimed to prevent such an outcome, ensuring the race’s future remains tied to its heritage, not CDI’s corporate…
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Nine Minutes. One Question.
The press conference by CDI and NYRA lasted only nine minutes, addressing their new Thoroughbred Championship Series, which excludes Maryland’s Preakness. This prompted criticism regarding the lack of communication and potential negative impact on the Triple Crown. Maryland may face challenges if included in the series under CDI’s terms.
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Blindsided, Again
Churchill Downs announced a Thoroughbred Championship Series without including the Preakness Stakes, surprising Maryland officials who only learned of the plan through media. This follows Maryland’s $85 million acquisition of the Preakness IP. The series threatens the future of the Preakness and represents a significant strategic shift in American racing.
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