Legislation seeks to keep Preakness in Maryland

[The Straight Story]

Legislation seeks to keep Preakness in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Gov. Martin O'Malley has introduced legislation in hopes of giving the state more authority to keep the Preakness Stakes in Maryland.

The future location of the Triple Crown horse race has been thrown into uncertainty because of federal bankruptcy filings by the race's current owner, Magna Entertainment Corp., of Canada.

The bill attempts to give Maryland the authority to either buy or exercise eminent domain over Pimlico Race Course, where the Preakness is held, as well as Laurel Park and the Bowie Race Course Training center.

The legislation also would allow the Maryland Economic Development Corporation to issue bonds to buy the facilities.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jbf6g33027lZlGjytt7nE_OBnQZgD97ED2B81

[KamaAina]

1. I always thought Maryland racing should try to tap in to the lucrative DC market

Laurel and Bowie are kind of far out. There is a small harness track, but it's out past Southeast, and might not have room to expand. Maybe the Capital Centre site?