Pimlico Special Returns On Eve Of Preakness

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Pimlico Special will return in 2012 as part of an upgraded racing card the day before the Preakness.

The feature event of the eight-week winter meeting at Pimlico Race Course is the 137th running of the Preakness on May 19.

On May 18, the card at Pimlico will feature eight stakes races, including the return of the historic $300,000 Pimlico Special, which has run just once since 2007. The Special replaces the William Donald Schaefer Stakes in the lineup.

The first Pimlico Special was run in 1937 and won by War Admiral. Other prominent winners include Whirlaway, Seabiscuit and Citation.

Pimlico's winter meet will feature 22 stakes races for purses of $3.425 million, an increase of $525,000. Preakness weekend features 16 stakes races for $3 million.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)