BERNARD C. YOUNG MAYOR 100 Hollia'ay Street, Room 250 Baltimore, Maryland 21202 October 4, 2019 The Honorable Larry Hogan Governor, State of Maryland State House 100 State Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. The Honorable Adrienne A. Jones Senate President Speaker of the House of Delegates State House, H-107 State House, H-lOl 100 State Circle 100 State Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 Annapolis, MD 21401 Dear Governor Hogan, President Miller and Speaker Jones: As you know, the thoroughbred horse racing and breeding industries, which date back to Colonial times, are an important part of the civic, cultural and economic fabric of the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland. From the hundreds of horse farms that preserve over 700,000 acres of open space throughout the State, to the many businesses, large and small, that support and serve the State?s equine industry and generate over $1.3 billion of economic activity annually, tens of thousands of Marylanders ?nd employment and recreational enjoyment participating in the great sport of thoroughbred horse racing. And, of course, the Preakness Stakes? the middle jewel of thoroughbred racing?s Triple Crown, which has been conducted at Pimlico for over 100 years is one of the City?s and State?s most well-known and prestigious events generating tens of millions of dollars in economic development and tourism activity annually. Indeed, conducting the Preakness Stakes? has been compared to hosting the Super Bowl in the City every year. And, the national and international attention and prestige that the Preakness Stakes? brings to the City and the State is immeasurable. Yet, the economic pillars of the Preakness Stakes? and the industry the two primary mile thoroughbred racetracks at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore City and Laurel Park in Anne October 4, 2019 Page 2 Arundel County, where competitive racing and pari-mutuel wagering are conducted are expansive and capital-intensive facilities in need of modernization. Pimlico, the second oldest racetrack in the country, dates back to 1870 and Laurel Park has likewise been in operation for over 100 years. Questions surrounding the future of these outdated facilities have hung over the industry for decades and challenged its future viability and that of the Preakness Stakes? at Pimlico. In recognition of these concerns, several years ago the Maryland Stadium Authority conducted an extensive examination of the Pimlico facilities. The MSA concluded at that time the Pimlico facilities were beyond their useful life and recommended a substantial capital redevelopment plan. In the period since, the industry has wrestled with the dif?cult issues of whether and how the Preakness Stakes? could be maintained at Pimlico or whether the industry would have to consolidate at Laurel Park, which also was in need of signi?cant modernization. From the City?s perspective and that of many communities of interest in and around Pimlico, closing Pimlico and consolidating all racing activities at Laurel Park was not an acceptable option. The challenge, of course, was how to modernize and operate two thoroughbred horse tracks within thirty miles of each other. In an effort to resolve these difficult matters, the undersigned came together with a new- found spirit of cooperation and purpose to explore possible ways and means to preserve the Preakness Stakes? at Pimlico, to support year-round sustainable racing at Laurel Park and to facilitate community development in and around the racing facilities. After months of intensive and productive discussions, we are pleased to inform you that we have reached an agreement in principle that achieves those important objectives. As such, we are recommending for your consideration the attached conceptual and funding plans for Pimlico, Laurel Park and the surrounding communities, including the Park Heights community, where we anticipate significant and privately funded mix-used development associated with these plans. Although we recognize that there may be alternate ways to fund our important objectives, the parties have endeavored diligently to suggest funding plans that are derived from resources and funds presently allocated or available to the racing industry. We hope that upon review and consideration you can support our plans now and in the upcoming Legislative Sessions. In aid of your review and our efforts, we would also be pleased to work together with the Legislature, including the budget and policy and the Maryland Stadium Authority to move these important projects forward. As the plans may require the temporary use of the Timonium race course facilities, and in recognition of the importance of the Timonium Race Track as a racing venue and its connection to the Maryland State Fair, we are also committed to working with them with respect to their capital needs in that regard. Similarly, we look forward to continuing our discussions concerning future opportunities that may exist for portions of the Bowie Training Center property in Prince George?s County with representatives of the communities of interest in and around that facility, the City of Bowie and Bowie State University. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski join in this letter and our request for consideration of these plans. October 4, 2019 Page 3 In closing, we are proud and excited to present our recommendations, which we believe present a path to ensure the continuity of the Preakness Stakes? at Pimlico and enhance thoroughbred horse racing for the bene?t of the entire State. We look forward to working with you to make these projects a reality. Sincerely, Bernard C. ?Jack? Young Belinda C. Stronach Mayor, City of Baltimore Chairman and President The Stronach Group, Owner of the Maryland Jockey Club for Baltimore City, Maryland Jockey Club, Inc. gai/OEE gla? ?My JSteuart Pittman, Jr. ohn Olszewski, Jr. County Executive, County Executive, Anne Arundel County Baltimore County William H. Cole Alan M. Ri?