Michael Neuman, CEO for Magna Entertainment, the company that owns Pimlico, said the Preakness Stakes are at risk in Maryland, unless slot machine gambling is approved by lawmakers. In January, the famous Pimlico Special was canceled due to limited resources.

“I’m optimistic the political stars are aligned to legalize slots soon enough to keep the race in Maryland,” Neuman added. “I'm certainly not going to draw a line in the sand about moving the Preakness but our nose is just above water now.” This means that the second leg of the Triple Crown is in real danger of being moved.

Governor Martin O’Malley, who took office in January, has said he supports limited slot machines at racetracks in order to keep the financial engine of the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and enhance the state’s racing industry. The slot machine proposal is also backed by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, who has called for 15,000 machines at seven facilities.

Miller, who was present at the Preakness last weekend, said he expects Governor O’Malley to call a special legislative session to approve a slots bill instead of waiting until the next ordinary session in 2008.