The Sunrise Tours offer an engaging and educational experience, led by knowledgeable professionals who provide an insider’s perspective into the world of Thoroughbred horse racing. The tour begins at the Grandstand apron, where guests can watch Preakness contenders during their morning workouts. Next, participants move inside to meet a jockey, who explains their specialized equipment and training routines. A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Starting Gate, where fans get an up-close look at the very gates from which the horses launch on race day. The journey continues through the stakes barn, where guests have the unique opportunity to speak with trainers, owners, exercise riders, jockeys, and surprise guests from various aspects of the racing industry. These special guests range from local politicians to blacksmiths, offering diverse perspectives on horse care and racing. A visit with the Baltimore Police Department Mounted Unit is often included, providing insight into their role and work with horses. The tour also stops at the Paddock, where horses are saddled before a race, followed by the Winners’ Circle. To conclude, guests meet the owners of Thoroughbreds who have transitioned to new careers after racing. Finally, the tour returns outdoors to watch the horses complete their morning workouts.
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The Sunrise Tours offer an engaging and educational experience, led by knowledgeable professionals who provide an insider’s perspective into the world of Thoroughbred horse racing. The tour begins at the Grandstand apron, where guests can watch Preakness contenders during their morning workouts. Next, participants move inside to meet a jockey, who explains their specialized equipment and training routines. A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Starting Gate, where fans get an up-close look at the very gates from which the horses launch on race day. The journey continues through the stakes barn, where guests have the unique opportunity to speak with trainers, owners, exercise riders, jockeys, and surprise guests from various aspects of the racing industry. These special guests range from local politicians to blacksmiths, offering diverse perspectives on horse care and racing. A visit with the Baltimore Police Department Mounted Unit is often included, providing insight into their role and work with horses. The tour also stops at the Paddock, where horses are saddled before a race, followed by the Winners’ Circle. To conclude, guests meet the owners of Thoroughbreds who have transitioned to new careers after racing. Finally, the tour returns outdoors to watch the horses complete their morning workouts.
The 20-minute guided, walking tours run continuously from 6 a.m. – 9 a.m., Tuesday, 5/13 through Friday, 5/16. Tours are FREE and on a first come, first served basis.
The last tour registration for Thursday and Friday is 8:45am. We suggest that you arrive early to take full advantage of the tours and keep in mind that the Friday tours are extremely popular so visit earlier in the week, if possible!
For inquiries or additional information, please contact us at sunrisetours@marylandjockeyclub.com
Parking Information for Sunrise Tours
Parking for Sunrise Tours is in the Rogers Ave. lot, at the intersection of Northern Pkwy and Woodcrest Ave. There is no charge for parking in the Rogers Ave. lot for the Sunrise Tours. Entry into the racetrack for the Tours is via the Rogers Ave. gate across from the Rogers Ave. parking lot. The Rogers gate will close at 10:00am every morning. You must exit before 10:00am if you want to exit using the same gate you entered.
Parking on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
You are welcome to stay and enjoy the day at the track; however, If you choose to stay later than 10:00am, without moving your vehicle, you must exit from the front of the facility and walk around the building to the Rogers Ave. parking lot.
Parking on Friday, May 16 / Black-Eyed Susan Day
The Rogers Ave. lot is paid parking after 10:00am, Friday, May 16. Remaining in the Rogers Ave. parking lot on Friday is not an option unless you purchase parking. If you have purchased parking for Friday, May 16, you can park in the lot designated by your parking placard. Parking placard must be displayed in your vehicle at all times.
- Handicapped parking is available in the Rogers Ave. lot.
- Passenger drop off is available in front of the Grandstand.
- Wheelchair and stroller-friendly tours will be offered on Tuesday at 8:00am and Wednesday at 7:00am.
- Please note everyone must stay with assigned group while on the tour.
- One tour per day, please.
- No flash photographs allowed.
- Security policies for Friday, Black-Eyed Susan day are available here.
- All persons entering Pimlico and their camera bags, purses and containers are subject to direct physical search or indirect search by wanding or magnetometers.
