Minutes of Public Meeting - August 15, 2024

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission”)met in person and by conference call in open session at 1:00 p.m. at Ocean Downs on August 15, 2024. At the start of the meeting, Chairman George Mahoney took a roll call of the Commission members and confirmed that all were present.

Minutes - June 5, 2024

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting on June 5, 2024, and voted to approve them unanimously.

Maryland Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkin informed the Commission that he had received a recommendation from the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association to appoint Katy Voss as their representative on the Committee. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the recommendation.

Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins reported to the Commission that the Maryland Standardbred Breeders were recommending Gary White to replace Tom Cooke and Ocean Downs was recommending Bobbi Jones to replace Bobbi Sample on the Advisory Committee. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the recommendations.

Regulations – Final 09.10.02.43 and 09.10.02.53.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission with amendments to COMAR 09.10.02.43 and .53, which were published in the Maryland Register as proposed on December 1, 2023. Mr. Hopkins reported that there were no comments received and that they were being presented to the Commission for final adoption with an effective date of November 1, 2024. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously adopted the regulations as final.

Maryland Bred Fund.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins informed the Commission that he had received a letter from the Maryland Horse Breeders recommending that the current bonus percentages being paid out as well as the bonus percentage for Maryland Million Day remain the same through December 31, 2024. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the recommendations.

Maryland Jockey Club – Rosecroft Fall Race Meeting.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented a request from the Maryland Jockey Club for the Fall Race Meeting at Rosecroft Raceway beginning September 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. The request included 26 nights of live racing on Mondays and Wednesdays, except Potomac Pace Day, which will be held on Sunday November 17, 2024. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the requests.

Maryland Jockey Club – Laurel Fall Race Meeting.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission with a request from the Maryland Jockey Club fort its Fall Race Meeting at Laurel Park from September 3, 2024 through December 31, 2024. The Fall Race Meeting would consist of 56 days of live racing to be held Friday through Sunday, except during the month of October, when racing would be held Thursday through Sunday. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the requests.

Maryland Jockey Club - Update.

Mike Rogers, representing the Maryland Jockey Club, reported that the transition of the Pimlico racetrack to the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority was moving smoothly. Mr. Rogers also reported that on August 9, 2024, a number of congressional aides, along with the Chairman of HISA and former owner of the Maryland Jockey Club Joe DeFrancis, came to Laurel to observe the safety and welfare protocols put in place as well as the Detention Barn, where horses are sent to be tested. Mr. Rogers also advised the Commission that plans for Maryland Million Day were proceeding and that the Maryland Jockey Club would be staffing the State Fair at Timonium. Mr. Rogers also reported that a 5-year agreement had been negotiated with the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association in regard to the racing operation of Rosecroft. Mr. Rogers advised that the agreement did have a clause that would allow the contract to be terminated should the track be sold. Mr. Rogers noted that he was unaware of any offers for Rosecroft.

Public Comments.

April Smith, representing Friends of Pimlico, read a prepared statement in regard to the closing of Pimlico. Andy Cashman, representing the Maryland State Fair, invited the public and Commission to the State Fair, which is open for racing on August 23, 2024. Crickett Goodall, from the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, thanked the Commission members who attended the Maryland Horse Forum and invited everyone to attend the Hall of Fame lunch at Timonium on August 23, 2024. She also reminded everyone that the Horse Land exhibit would also be open on each day of the State Fair. Bobbi Jones, representing Ocean Downs, thanked everyone for attending the Commission meeting and showed a video highlighting the special events of the race meet. Chairman George Mahoney thanked Ms. Jones for the invitation to hold the Commission meeting at Ocean Downs.

Closed Session.

The Commission went into closed session to discuss a personnel matter at approximately 1:35 p.m. The Commission, after discussing the matter, adjourned from the close session at approximately 2:15 p.m.

Next Commission Meeting.

Monday September 9, 2024 at Laurel Park.

/s/ George P. Mahoney, Jr.      

Chairman