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Maryland Exercises Its Right to Match an $85 Million Offer to Keep Preakness Branding Rights
The state will finance the purchase with a tax-exempt revenue bond, and officials say race-generated money will repay the $85 million cost.
On Thursday, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the state is matching an $85 million offer to acquire the intellectual property of the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, exercising its right of first refusal.
Churchill Downs Incorporated previously announced an agreement to purchase branding rights, prompting Maryland officials to match the bid and avoid escalating fees under the existing exclusive licensing agreement.
The State will fund the $85 million acquisition through tax-exempt revenue bond issuance, with no general fund tax dollars used, while operating under a nonprofit model adopted by the Maryland Jockey Club.
Greater Baltimore Committee President Mark Anthony Thomas called the acquisition a move securing Maryland's signature assets, while Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association President Katharine M. Voss called it a defining moment for racing.
Currently, Maryland owns Pimlico Race Course undergoing major renovation, while The State remains open to identifying mutual interests with Churchill Downs and other industry partners to benefit the broader Triple Crown.