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Friday, May 15, 2026

Maryland Faces Scrutiny Over Preakness Stakes Intellectual Property Sale to Churchill Downs

The state’s substantial investment in Pimlico and horse racing is complicated by the sale of key race IP rights, raising questions about financial strategy and public transparency

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Maryland Faces Scrutiny Over Preakness Stakes Intellectual Property Sale to Churchill Downs
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Churchill Downs Incorporated’s acquisition of the Preakness Stakes and Black Eyed Susan Stakes intellectual property from 1/ST Maryland LLC, controlled by the Stronach family, has sparked debate over Maryland’s $500 million investment in horse racing infrastructure. Under a 2024 lease agreement, Maryland pays annual f…
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Maryland Faces Scrutiny Over Preakness Stakes Intellectual Property Sale to Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Incorporated’s acquisition of the Preakness Stakes and Black Eyed Susan Stakes intellectual property from 1/ST Maryland LLC, controlled by the Stronach family, has sparked debate over Maryland’s $500 mil... Read the full IIPLA article: https://iipla.org/news/maryland-faces-scrutiny-over-preakness-stakes-intellectual-property-sale-to-churchill-downs

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Maryland Moves to Acquire Preakness Stakes Intellectual Property for $85 Million

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the state will match Churchill Downs’ $85 million bid to purchase the intellectual property rights to the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. The acquisition will be financed through 30-year bonds issued by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, with debt service…

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