The wrecking ball is just about hovering over Pimlico Race Course, with a complete knockdown and rebuild of the grandstand and other facilities coming.

Leaders remain hopeful that the state remains committed to investing millions into Park Heights as the plan to redevelop Pimlico moves forward.

The Black Eyed Susan is the Maryland state flower because it blooms in black and gold, the state’s official colors. But the Black Eyed Susan blooms only in June. This race is held in May. So, management goes out and buys daisies and colors their centers with black shoe polish.

The new clubhouse will look like a white palace in the park as part of a design inspired by the old Pimlico clubhouse and the Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park. It will have a promenade, rooftop balconies, and space for year-round gatherings. Historic wood beams from some of the current structures will be used in the new buildings.

Schoolchildren learned all things horse racing while on one of the last Sunrise Tours at Pimlico Race Course as we know it.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson served as the host as the National Thoroughbred League held the Pimlico Cup on Saturday in Baltimore.

In 2011, jockey Raul Mena broke 24 bones and was in a coma for five weeks after getting thrown from a horse during a race in his native Chile.