Minutes of Public Meeting - May 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 May 22, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland, 21215. Chairman Mike Algeo welcomed the public to the meeting and commented about his experience at Pimlico the previous week, including the Preakness Stakes.

Minutes – April 26, 2018.

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its meeting of April 26, 2018 and voted to approve them.

Maryland Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee Member.

J. Michael Hopkins, Executive Director of the Commission, informed the Commission that the term of the Standardbred Race Fund Advisory Committee Chairman expires after one year. Mr. Hopkins advised the Commission that the current Chairman of the Committee is Commissioner Tammy Lafferty. Hearing no objection, the Commission voted to appoint Commissioner Lafferty as Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the upcoming year.

Maryland Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee Member.

J. Michael Hopkins, Executive Director of the Commission, advised the Commission that each year the term of the Maryland Bred Race Fund Advisory Committee Chairman and its members expire. He further advised that the current Chairman of the Committee is Commissioner David Hayden. The Commission had previously approved Richie Blue to represent the half mile tracks. The Commission appointed Commissioner Hayden as the Committee Chairman and Georganne Hale as the mile track representative. Mr. Hopkins further advised that the Horse Breeders would be recommending their representatives at the June meeting. Hearing no objection, the Commission voted to appoint Commissioner Hayden and Georganne Hale to the Advisory Committee.

Maryland Jockey Club – RFRF Request.

The Commission was asked to approve a request from the Maryland Jockey Club to be reimbursed $2,803,172.00 from the Racing Facility Redevelopment Fund for capital construction projects at Laurel Park and Pimlico, which had been approved by the Commission’s accountant. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland State Fair – College Scholarship.

Bill Reightler, representing the Maryland State Fair, reported on the success of the recent two year old in training sale held at Timonium. Also, Mr. Reightler reported that the Maryland State Fair would be giving away nine scholarships of $1,000.00 each on College Day, which has been provided by industry groups and private individuals.

Public Comments.

Cricket Goodall, representing the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, provided the Commission with a hand out on the economic impact of the horse industry in Maryland. Bobby Lillis, Executive Director of the Horsemen’s Assistance Fund, reminded everyone that with the recent Supreme Court decision regarding sports betting, the public should speak with legislators about allowing sports betting at the tracks. Dr. Robert O’Neil, Equine Medical Director of the Stronach Group, reported that the track at Pimlico during Preakness week was in very good condition and that there were no rundowns of any of the horses, which usually happens at a higher rate on a muddy track. Gina Maybe of Rosecroft Raceway reported that the Drivers Charity Drive at Rosecroft were successful.

Next Commission Meeting.

The next Commission Meeting will be held on June 28, 2018 at 12:30 P.M. at Laurel Park Laurel, Maryland.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director