President Wes Moore, the Maryland Stadium Authority and The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) today unveiled the new brand identity for the Pimlico Race and Preakness Stakes, giving both a bold new look ahead of the Preakness’ return to Pimlico in May 2027.
The new logos were designed to honor the history of Pimlico, the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan, while also looking ahead to the career of Maryland. The brand’s iconic features are instantly recognizable and beloved by Marylanders and racers alike: the iconic flag, the Pimlico weathervane and dome, and the black-eyed Susan, gathering more than 280 years of history and the pride of the wild state.
Advertisement
“As Maryland enters an exciting new era of horse riding, we are reshaping our Pimlico and Preakness branding to represent our state’s equestrian community and pay tribute to the industry’s rich history,” said Gov. Moore. “Through instantly recognizable and deeply meaningful symbols, we continue the race and course as cornerstones of Maryland’s culture and economy.”
“The Preakness belongs to all Marylanders, and these new plans honor the past and bring pride and endless possibility to its participants in the future,” said First Lady Aurora Moore. “As we look to return to Pimlico, we have the opportunity to welcome more people into this pit tradition – combining the excitement of racing with the creativity, culture and community spirit that make Maryland so special.”
The work was led by CTP, a nationally recognized council with deep experience in horse racing, including work for the Breeders’ Cup. The nearly 10-month creative process began with gathering feedback and input from a wide range of stakeholders, including city and state officials, owners and educators, TMJC members and board members, and Castles Park community advocates.
Advertisement
“These logos capture everything we love about Maryland racing,” said Bill Knauf, TMJC president and general manager. “They are ashamed of the traditions that built Pimlico and the Preakness, but they were made because of what came before them, and they deliver on the promise of this sport’s future right here in Maryland. This was a thorough, inclusive process that gave the racing community, our neighbors at Castles Park, and people across the state a real voice in our brand development.”
The new visual identities come at a time of transformation for Maryland’s career. In June, the city acquired the intellectual property rights to the Preakness Stakes, securing the future of the historic event in Maryland. Another critical development came in August, when TMJC renewed media rights with NBC Sports and moved the Preakness to eight days on Sunday, May 23. The state also recently approved the purchase of Laurel Park, which will become a permanent training ground in Maryland while construction continues on the rebuilt Pimlico Race Course, which will offer years of racing, entertainment, and community-focused events.
“The new logos for the Preakness, Black Eyed Susan, and Pimlico place Maryland and Park Heights at the heart of their identity,” said Craig Thompson, president of the Maryland Stadium Authority. “Maryland racing is built on a proud, legendary legacy, and the next chapter will shine even brighter because its future belongs to all of us. The Maryland Authority is proud to help deliver a venue that honors Maryland’s racing heritage, and looks forward to welcoming the world to a transformed Preakness racing experience at Pimlico next year.”
In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue $400 million in bonds to reduce the Pimlico Course in Baltimore. The new facility will host over 500 jobs, and will go from hosting about 15 race days per year to becoming a permanent fixture in the state of Maryland with more than 100 race days each year. As a central part of Mary’s prestigious racing industry — which supports more than 28,000 jobs and has generated an estimated $3 billion in economic impact — the new Pimlico Race Course will be a year-round source of economic activity for Orton Heights, the surrounding communities, and Baltimore City.
Advertisement
The state of Maryland has also prioritized investments in Park Heights through several initiatives, including nearly $3 million in renovation efforts led by the Park Heights Renaissance. One of 27 Fair Communities, Park Heights supports documented projects to improve the health of young people while reviving vacant homes, addressing food insecurity for residents, and strengthening educational opportunities for parents.
This story was first published by Paulick Report on the 19th of October News section Add the Paulck Report as Preferred Source by clicking here.