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.

So many memories of Preaknesses. Maybe more precious are the rare afternoons playing hooky from work and enjoying the horses, jockeys, and exciting races without the crowds. I’m from Woodbourne Heights in Baltimore, 15 minutes from the track. I’m excited about the new Pimlico. I hope they will honor the name and memories with the new track. — Susan

The wrecking ball is coming to Pimlico Race Course, a long-awaiting demolition of the dilapidated racetrack that opened in 1870 and for decades has seen better days.

Raul Mena was in a race in his native Chile in 2011 when the horse he was riding jumped the rail, throwing him to the ground with severe injuries.

Baltimore Sun reporter Sam Cohn got firsthand knowledge of how to ride a horse from Maryland-based jockey Sheldon Russell and his wife.