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Minutes of Public Meeting - May 25, 2017

Commission Members Present:

Michael Algeo, Chairman Tammy Lafferty
David Hayden
Dr. Thomas Bowman
Tom Winebrener
Konrad Wayson
Ernie Grecco
Clarissa Coughlin

Members Absent:
Ronald Thomas

Staff Present Representing the Maryland Racing Commission:

J. Michael Hopkins

Executive Director
Eric B. London
Assistant Attorney General

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 May 25, 2017, commencing at 12:30 p.m. at Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland.

Chairman Mike Algeo commented about the success of the entire Preakness Week, including the Drawing, the Alibi Breakfast, Black Eyed Susan Day as well as the Preakness Stakes. He thanked the Maryland Jockey Club and the Stronach Group for running such a successful and well received event.

Minutes – April 27, 2017.

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting of April 27, 2017, and unanimously voted to approve them.

Maryland Jockey Club Summer Stake Schedule.

The Commission was presented with a request from the Maryland Jockey Club for its Summer Stakes Schedule. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Preakness Bonus.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins asked the Commission members to ratify an e-mail poll conducted on May 8, 2017, to approve a Bonus Program developed by the Maryland horse racing industry for a bonus of up to $500,000.00 for a Maryland Bred or Maryland Sired horse that participates in the Preakness Stakes. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously ratified the previously approved request.

Maryland Jockey Club.

Maryland Jockey Club General Manager Sal Sinatra reported that Black Eyed Susan Day and Preakness Day exceeded expectations in both handle and attendance. Mr. Sinatra asked the Commission if the Maryland Jockey Club could carry over the Jackpot Pick 6 to the Laurel meeting. Assistant Attorney General Eric London commented that he would like some time to review the regulation regarding carryovers. The Commission approved the request pending review of the Attorney General’s office. (A subsequent review of the regulations required a mandatory distribution on the last day of the race meeting).

April VLT Report.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission with a VLT report from the month of April.

Racing and Breeding Review.

Chairman Algeo commented that he and Commissioner Bowman had been discussing the formation of a committee that would be reviewing the current state of racing and breeding in Maryland. Commissioner Bowman commented that over the last few years the racing and breeding industries have made adjustments which have contributed to the current successes the industry is experiencing, namely the 10 year agreement and the restructuring of the breeder bonus program. Further, Dr. Bowman commented that the committee would not be suggesting radical changes, but it would try to identify areas of improvement moving forward.

Public Comments.

Dr. Robert O’Neil, Equine Medical Director for the Stronach Group, reported that his interaction with the Racing Commission Veterinarians, Dr. Daniel, Dr. Walsh, Dr. Jett and Dr. Moore during Preakness Week was collaborative and congenial. He also complimented the State Veterinarians for their professionalism and work they perform.

Next Commission Meeting.

The next Commission meeting will be held on August 24, 2017, at 12:30 P.M. at Laurel Park, Laurel, Maryland.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director