Cal’s new deal, Preakness notes & more

KENTUCKY BASKETBALL

News erupted on Twitter Tuesday that Kentucky Basketball Coach John Calipari was expected to sign a new deal with UK, which would extend his contract through 2021-22. The contract is worth $54 million over seven years, with a $1.6 million longevity bonus effective July 1.

Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio was the first to break the news:

The perennial rumors of Calipari leaving Kentucky for the NBA began at their usual time, immediately following the Wildcats’ exit from the NCAA Tournament. Does the new contract extension put the rumors to rest? Check out Jones’ article below and decide for yourself.

• What the New Calipari Deal Means (KSR)

In other news surrounding University of Kentucky Athletics – UK Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart was named Athletic Director of the Year Tuesday, a well-deserved award for a man who has overcome early adversity and taken UK Athletics to a new level in recent years.

• UK’s Barnhart named national AD of the Year (WKYT)

HORSE RACING

If you’ve ever attended the Preakness, you know it’s a great time eating, drinking and watching races, at a track that is extremely doctored up for one weekend. I have attended Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore on a weekend when other than Preakness weekend, and let’s just say it could use some of work…

Sign (or sheet) in the Pimlico Clubhouse, marking the home of the Preakness Stakes

View from close to the Winners’ Circle at Pimlico’s Opening Weekend 2013

The indoor paddock at Pimlico

View from the rail at Pimlico

Pimlico apron

Pimlico is owned by The Stronach Group, who has decided it finally time to make an investment to renovate and restore the historic track nicknamed “Ol’ Hilltop.” The Stronach Group toyed with the idea of moving the historic race to Laurel Park, a racetrack they also own located halfway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, but an article Wednesday morning posted by USA Today shut that idea down.

• The Preakness won’t leave Baltimore (USA Today)

Preakness contenders shipping from Churchill Downs are expected to arrive around 2 p.m. Wednesday and Pimlico will host the post position draw for the 140th Preakness Stakes beginning at approximately 5 p.m.

Other Preakness links:

• Preakness 2015 post position draw: Time and TV schedule (SBNation)
• Ranking the 10 Biggest Upsets in Preakness History (Bleacher Report)
• Preakness Cheat Sheet (America’s Best Racing)
• After protests, Baltimore hosts Preakness (Washington Post TV)
• Millennial Media is hosting a pre-Preakness party (technical.ly/baltimore)