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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 7:53 a.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Horse racing: Legislation seeks to keep Preakness in Maryland

Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — 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.

Lawmakers won't have time to waste to approve the bill. The General Assembly is set to adjourn Monday.