BALTIMORE -- The 133rd running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on Saturday is bringing more attention to the ailing state of Maryland horse racing.

News4's Chris Gordon reported that many Maryland owners are racing their horses outside the state in search of more prize money and better conditions despite the state's proud and rich horse-racing history.

Attendance at Maryland's race tracks is down dramatically, Gordon reported.

The Pimlico Special -- a famous race that hosted Seabiscuit's match race defeat of War Admiral in the 1930s -- was run on Friday. Last year, Pimlico had to cancel the race because the track couldn't afford to stage the $500,000 stakes race. This year, it was run for $250,000.

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Some say slots can save the state's horse-racing industry. If a referendum legalizing slots in Maryland passes in the November election, a portion of the revenue would be used to subsidize purses, which could attract better horses and more fans.

"I think Maryland horseracing needs a boost from slots," said Scott Borgemenke, of Magna Entertainment. "I think it needs a boost from its fans. I think it needs a boost in marketing. I think Maryland racing along with racing nationwide really needs to step up and step up its game so they don't go out of existence."

Opponents of slots say that they would be a windfall for the gambling industry.