Minutes of Public Meeting - February 22, 2018

In accordance with the Notice of Public Meeting, as required by §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission”) met in open session on February 22, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland. Chairman Mike Algeo welcomed the public to the meeting and commented that while Commissioner Ernie Grecco was out having knee surgery, he fell and broke his neck. Chairman Algeo advised that Commissioner Grecco was fine, but wanted everyone to keep him in their thoughts during his recovery.

Minutes – January 25, 2018.
The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting of January 25, 2018 and unanimously voted to approve them.

Regulation 09.10.03.01-1.
The Commission approved for final adoption Regulation 09.10.03.01-1, which increased the permissive threshold of Detomidine in a horse’s system when participating in a race.

Maryland Jockey Club – Laurel and Pimlico Spring Meets.
The Commission was presented with a number of requests for the 2018 spring race meeting at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, including the Pimlico Stakes schedule. The race meeting at Laurel Park will be from April 1, 2018 through May 6, 2018 and the race meeting at Pimlico will be from May 7, 2018 through May 31, 2018. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the requests.

Pimlico - Phase 2.
The Commission was informed that that the Secretary of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation had approved their request to move forward with Phase 2 of the Maryland Stadium Authority’s Study of Pimlico Race Course.

2018 Proposed Legislation.
Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins advised the Commission of several proposed legislative initiatives. Mr. Hopkins also advised that proposed legislation giving the Commission the authority to join a Medication Compact was scheduled for a hearing on February 28, 2018. Noting that the Commission had previously approved the concept of a Medication Compact, he forwarded the specific language to the Commission for their review. Commissioner Hayden asked if the Commission joined the Compact, could the Commission later decide to withdraw. Mr. Hopkins responded by saying the only way to withdraw would be to have the legislation repealed. Commissioner Tom Bowman asked why legislation was needed, when all the surrounding jurisdictions have moved toward uniformity without a Compact and also inquired about the cost of an administrative staff. Mr. Hopkins explained that the purpose of the Compact is to allow members to adopt medication rules and have the rules go into effect at one specific time. Mr. Hopkins further explained that under the current system, a number of states who adopt the recommended regulations, have different procedures to implement a new rule. Some jurisdictions incorporate by reference, which makes the rule effective almost immediately, while others have a process that can take up to 18 months before a particular rule becomes effective. Alan Foreman, representing the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (“MTHA”), commented that the proposed legislation gives the Commission the authority to join the Compact and that he would expect the type of medication rules proposed by the Compact to be non-controversial, where all jurisdictions were in agreement. Mr. Foreman also echoed Mr. Hopkins’ comments about the timely implementation of a new rule in the region and further commented that the Compact is a benefit to horsemen in all the states that become Compact members. Mr. Foreman also commented that there would be no costs associated with the Compact. The Commission unanimously approved a motion to support the legislation creating the Compact.

Match Series.
Alan Foreman addressed the Commission about the reintroduction of the Match Series, which is a regional race series with five divisions. Each division will have five races from mid-May through September. Total purses will be $2.9 million with $450,000.00 in bonus money to the top point earners in each division. Mr. Foreman further commented that the entire industry, including the tracks, horsemen and breeders in the Mid-Atlantic region, have been very supportive and were looking forward to the revitalization of Match Series for the first time in over a decade.

Public Comments.
Chairman Algeo announced the scheduling of the Commissioners Race on April 15, 2018 to be held at Rosecroft and the Commission members agreed to participate.

Gary Brewster, representing the State Fair, commented that with the new leadership at Timonium, the State Fair was looking to improve the race meeting, including a review and re-design of the Winner’s Circle and Paddock. He also commented that the State Fair had entered into a 5 year lease agreement with Fasig-Tipton, which would continue to hold the horse sales in the pavilion. Mr. Brewster continued by stating that the number of people that are exposed to racing during the State Fair is in excess of 50,000.

David Richardson, Executive Director of the MTHA, commented that that the partnership the horsemen and Maryland Jockey Club have entered into with Med-Star has been very successful. Mr. Richardson noted that the partnership has developed concussion protocols as well as the return to riding program, which is the only program of its kind in the United States. Mr. Richardson played a video developed by Med-Star which described the established program. Chairman Algeo thanked Mr. Richardson and noted that the Commission is appreciative of all the efforts that have been set forth for the safety and welfare of all participants in the industry.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director