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Minutes of Public Meeting - January 28, 2021

Commission Members Present:

Emmet Davitt (Chairman)
Michael Algeo
David Hayden
Thomas Bowman
Ernie Grecco
Clarissa Coughlin
Konrad Wayson
Tammy Lafferty
Tom Winebrener

Members Absent:

Staff Present Representing the Maryland Racing Commission:

J. Michael Hopkins

Executive Director
Eric B. London
Assistant Attorney General
Milena Trust
Principal Counsel, Department of Labor

In accordance with §3-302, General Provisions Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Racing Commission (“Commission”) met by conference call in open session on January 28, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. Prior to the meeting, Chairman Emmet Davitt informed the public that their phones should be muted, but he would give the public the opportunity to address the Commission during Public Comments. At the start of the meeting, Chairman Davitt took a roll call of the Commission members and verified that all members were present.

Minutes – December 2, 2020

The Commission waived a reading of the minutes of its December 2, 2020 meeting and voted unanimously to approve the minutes.  

Final Regulations 09.10.03.01-1.

The Commission was presented with final regulations that would abolish the permissive threshold for clenbuterol. Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins informed the members that he had not received any comments on the regulation and that the regulation had met the required publication time for final adoption in the Maryland Register. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the regulation for final adoption.

Proposed Regulations 09.10.03.08 Lasix

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins explained to the Commission that the current regulation would penalize a horse that ran in a jurisdiction where the use of Lasix in certain races was implemented by house rule and not by the regulatory authority in that state. The amendment being presented would make an exception, if a horse participated in a state that restricted Lasix by house rule. Mr. Hopkins further asked the Commission to approve the regulation as proposed and on an emergency basis. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the regulation as proposed and on an emergency basis.

Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association – Backstretch Pension.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins explained to the Commission it was being asked to approve a request from the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association to allocate $900,000.00 to the Backstretch Employee Pension Fund. Chairman Davitt asked how the program worked. Mr. Hopkins responded that all backstretch workers can participate in the program provided they meet certain work requirements and register for the program. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland Jockey Club – Laurel and Pimlico Race Meetings.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins reported that the Maryland Jockey Club had withdrawn their race meeting requests and would submit their requests at the February Commission meeting.

Rosecroft Spring Race Meeting.

Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins presented the Commission with a number of requests from Rosecroft Raceway for their continued race meeting from April 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021. Hearing no objection, the Commission unanimously approved the request.

Maryland Jockey Club- Update.

Sal Sinatra, representing the Maryland Jockey Club, reported that the MJC continues to review and enforce its COVID-19 protocols. Mr. Sinatra noted that the MJC had also been working with the horsemen and breeders for a “development” program for owners, who lose a horse through claiming by redirecting certain owner bonuses.

Commissioner Konrad Wayson asked Mr. Sinatra about the track surface.  Mr. Sinatra responded that the MJC had not received any complaints and had also been monitoring the track surface on a daily basis. Commissioner Bowman asked how the rat issue was being handled. Mr. Sinatra commented that the MJC was working with the current extermination company exploring options of how to reduce the population and also looking at other companies to ascertain other options.

Ocean Downs Update.

Bobbi Sample, representing Ocean Downs, reported that Ocean Downs is working on their 2021 schedule with the horsemen and will be presenting that to the Commission at a future meeting. Ms. Sample also advised that Ocean Downs would be presenting their capital plan at the next meeting or shortly thereafter.

Public Comments.

Alan Foreman commented that he was happy that Commissioner Mike Algeo was not seriously injured after being in a recent auto accident. Mr. Foreman also wanted to recognized Alvin Akman and the former President of the Senate Mike Miller, who both passed away recently. Tom Cooke asked if bonus money could be paid for a specific a race, which is under appeal, as the finishers of the race were first and second.  Mr. Cooke inquired of Executive Director J. Michael Hopkins whether the second place money could be allocated to the first and second place finishers and once the appeal process was concluded, the first place money could later be allocated. Mr. Hopkins responded that he would look into the matter. Andy Cashman, representing the Maryland State Fair, reported that the State Fair is being used as a distribution center for vaccinations and had a good weekend, with the Pegasus World Cup being raced at Gulfstream Park. Cricket Goodall introduced Sabrina Moore the Maryland breeder of Knicks Go, the Pegasus World Cup winner.

Next Commission Meeting

The next Commission Meeting will be held virtually on February 25, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.

J. Michael Hopkins
Executive Director