Baltimore Mayor Jack Young announced on Wednesday, June 12 that the City of Baltimore has withdrawn the lawsuit against the Stonach Group, the Maryland Jockey Club, and others. The lawsuit, filed on March 19, 2019, had aimed to condemn Pimlico Race Course so that the City could take control of the track and the Preakness Stakes.

“I am pleased that we have reached this withdrawal agreement and standstill with the Maryland Jockey Club and The Stronach Group to give the parties an opportunity to discuss Pimlico and racing in Maryland,” Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young said in a press release by the City. “The City is committed to keeping the Preakness in Baltimore and I look forward to working with the Maryland Jockey Club and The Stronach Group on good faith negotiations toward a positive outcome for the Park Heights community and the City of Baltimore.”

Belinda Stronach was quoted as saying, “We appreciate the withdrawal of the lawsuit and look forward to working with Mayor Young and his representatives, along with the State and other stakeholders.”

The Maryland Jockey Club and Preakness Stakes’ attorney Alan M. Rifkin reported that all parties will be continuing to talk about the future of the Preakness and Pimlico in the coming days.

To read more on this story, click on the links below.

Mayor Young: City Withdraws Lawsuit Seeking to Take Over Pimlico, Preakness Stakes – CBS Baltimore, June 12, 2019

Baltimore Sues Stronach Group Over Preakness & PimlicoThe Equiery, March 20, 2019

MJC Files Motion to Dismiss Baltimore City’s LawsuitThe Equiery, May 8, 2019