For David Crockett, what happens at Pimlico stays at Pimlico.
“This is Vegas for me, this is Baltimore?s Vegas,” said Crockett, who grew up in Hampden and admits he?s never been to the Nevada city. “For a lot of people, this is the neighborhood track.”
Crockett and his friend Andy Giddens are both bankers and took part of the day off to be among 5,834 on hand for Opening Day ? not of the Birds but of the thoroughbreds, as Pimlico Race Course began its 2008 spring meet Thursday.
The meet began a day after opponents and supporters of the November slot machine referendum fired their first major volley of the year. The vote will decide whether slot machines will be placed at five locations statewide including Laurel Park. Ontario, Canada-based Magna Entertainment Corp. owns both Laurel and Pimlico, but slots at the former can coexist with the latter, said Chris Dragone, Pimlico?s president and general manager.
“I think we have to do it the right way, so racing isn?t second.”
Dragone said the politicking over slots probably won?t heat up until later this summer, toward the end of Pimlico?s meet. Even if slots do come to Laurel, Dragone said Pimlico, the nation?s second-oldest race track after Saratoga, can still be successful.
“I think we have to doit in a way so racing isn?t second,” he said. “We have to look at slots as an opportunity as well as a challenge too.”
Dragone said the track is considering making the infield area available for private functions, such as company parties, throughout the racing season.
The lower grandstand area was busy for the first two races Thursday, as Baltimoreans took time out to enjoy the warm weather and place their bets. Lance Yeagle, a securities analyst from Perry Hall, was among those who took time off work to play the horses.
“I love horses, I love gambling, and it?s a nice day out,” said Yeagle, whose first bet of the day didn?t pan out.
But Thursday turned out to be a profitable trip for Crockett. He hit the exacta on the day?s second race, and turned a $12 bet into $60.61.
“What?s the game? To get out of here with enough to pay for the hot dogs, pay for the drinks and pay for the parking,” he said. “Otherwise you may as well have thrown $20 out the window on Northern Parkway.”
