Maryland Jockey Club Attorney: 'I'm Very Optimistic' About Future Of Preakness At Pimlico

The attorney for the Maryland Jockey Club says talks with Baltimore City and state officials have been productive, striking an optimistic tone that the Preakness Stakes could stay at Pimlico Race Course beyond 2020.

"In all my years I've never seen more progress in less time--and more goodwill to get something done--than I have seen over the past three weeks," attorney Alan Rifkin told Keith Mills and Bryan Nehman.

Earlier this month, Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young announced the city would withdraw a lawsuit that aimed to condemn and take over the track. Rifkin said since that time, city and state officials have been in regular conversations with The Stronach Group, which owns the Maryland Jockey Club, sometimes speaking multiple times a day.

"The city negotiators have been terrific. The state responders have been as good as you can get, and we've been making real progress. I'm very optimistic," Rifkin said. "For the first time, everyone is on the same side of the discussion."

Asked whether the Stronach Group would be willing to devote money to improve and maintain Pimlico, Rifkin said there are a "variety of different elements" that could help generate the necessary revenue.

"I think people are going to be surprised at how we can put [together] a capital plan without ever having to tap in to any new taxes for anyone," Rifkin said.

Rifkin said talks will continue Friday.

Hear Keith Mills and Bryan Nehman's full interview with Rifkin here: